Plastic microbeads
Why is it important to stop microbeads polluting the environment?
Microbeads are small, solid, manufactured plastic particles that are less than 5mm in diameter and do not degrade or dissolve in water. They may be added to a range of products, including rinse-off cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products. Microbeads are used in these products for a variety of purposes. This includes as an exfoliant, a bulking agent, to prolong shelf life, or for the controlled release of active ingredients.
Microbeads are not captured by most wastewater treatment systems. If washed down drains after use, they can end up in our rivers, lakes and oceans. These tiny plastics persist in the environment and have a damaging effect on marine life, the environment and human health. This is due to their composition, ability to adsorb toxins and potential to transfer up the marine food chain. The best way to reduce the impact of microbeads is to prevent them from entering the environment in the first place.
What is Australia doing about microbeads?
Since 2015, Australian governments have been working with industry to phase out microbeads from cosmetic and personal care products. The phase-out targets rinse-off products which are reasonably capable of entering the marine environment through normal use.
In late 2020, the Department commissioned an independent assessment of rinse-off personal care, cosmetic and cleaning products sold in Australian retail outlets, and online. The assessment found that, of the approximately 8100 unique products inspected, 99.3 per cent were microbead-free. For the 0.7 per cent of products that were found to contain microbeads, facial scrubs, facial cleansers and face masks were the most common product types using microbeads as an ingredient. There were no microbeads found in cleaning products or in oral hygiene products, such as mouth wash and toothpaste.
An assessment of the presence of microbeads in rinse-off personal care, cosmetic and cleaning products currently available within the Australian retail market (2020).
The Australian Government is committed to upholding the success of the phase-out and is examining options to broaden the phase-out to other products. Part of this process has involved commissioning research through the National Environment Science Programme to better understand the sources and pathways of microbeads entering the marine environment.
How do I know if microbeads are in my products?
Microbeads can be found in certain household products, including; sunscreen, facial cleansers, body wash, and cosmetics such as foundation and blush.
If you are concerned about microbeads in your products, look for the following ingredients.
| Common microbead ingredients | ||
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene (PE) | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) | Nylon (PA) |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) | |
Monitoring and Assurance Protocol
At a 2016 Meeting of Environment Ministers, ministers agreed to support a voluntary industry phase-out of plastic microbeads found in rinse-off personal care, cosmetics and some cleaning products. The voluntary phase-out was led by Accord Australasia (Accord) through their BedeRecede campaign, and overseen by the Australian Government and the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
To support the ongoing success of the voluntary phase-out, the Commonwealth issued Accord with a monitoring and assurance protocol in December 2018. The protocol outlines expectations for the next stages of the BeadRecede campaign. Accord has agreed to maintain a range of actions to support the success of the phase-out, as outlined in this protocol, until June 2022.
Voluntary industry phase-out of solid plastic microbeads from ‘rinse-off’ personal care, cosmetic and cleaning products - Monitoring and Assurance protocol (PDF - 401.15 KB)
Voluntary industry phase-out of solid plastic microbeads from ‘rinse-off’ personal care, cosmetic and cleaning products - Monitoring and Assurance protocol (DOCX - 24.84 KB)
Further information
- Results of the 2017 independent microbead assessment – previous independent assessment on the sale of microbeads in personal care and cosmetic products within the Australian retail market – final report
- BeadRecede – the initiative launched by Accord Australasia, the peak industry association for cosmetics, hygiene and specialty products
- New South Wales EPA – more information and research about microbeads
Contact us
Do you want to know more about microbeads in a product? Email us at wastepolicy@environment.gov.au.