Banning Microplastics in Cosmetic Products in Europe: Legal Challenges

Abstract

The sources of microplastics in the oceans—and in the Mediterranean Sea—are multiple. One of the sources are microplastics that are added to cosmetic products. Several states have adopted national bans on microplastics in rinse-off products. Before EU regulation might accomodate a ban on microplastics in cosmetics, the REACH Regulation has to be amended to include the registration, evaluation and, if necessary, restrict the use of polymers as chemical substance in certain products. Informing consumers about microplastics in cosmetic products, for example by labelling, remains essential as long as there is no ban on microplastics.