Since October 2023, the EU has banned the intentional use of microplastics in certain cosmetic products. Further product groups will be phased in through 2035.
The aim is to reduce plastic in waterways, because wastewater treatment plants do not fully retain particles and polymers.
Microplastics: Definition and Pathways from the Bathroom to the Environment
The EU regulation (published on 27 September 2023) defines microplastics as synthetically manufactured, solid, water-insoluble and non-biodegradable plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres.
In technical usage, a distinction is made between “primary” microplastics (intentionally added, for example as particles in cosmetics) and “secondary” microplastics (formed when larger plastic items break down in the environment). Cosmetics also contain plastics that are difficult to break down not only as solid particles, but also as waxes, gels or liquid polymers.
When products are rinsed off, these substances enter wastewater. According to the Verbraucherzentrale, wastewater treatment plants cannot fully retain them; microplastics can also enter the environment through sewage sludge. This matters to beauty clients and businesses because frequently used rinse-off products in everyday salon work (for example, during hair washing or during classic facial treatments) are among the product types covered by later stages of the ban.
Compared with tyre wear and washing synthetic-fibre clothing, cosmetics are considered a smaller source. Still, a 2018 study estimates that cosmetics and laundry, personal-care and cleaning products together release around 977 tonnes of microplastics and 46,900 tonnes of dissolved polymers into wastewater each year in Germany.
Which Cosmetics Are Affected, and When? The EU Ban Timeline
The EU microplastics ban targets the intentional use of the plastic particles defined in the regulation (smaller than 5 millimetres). Different deadlines apply to different product groups, with particularly long transition periods for decorative cosmetics. For a broader overview of ingredients in the context of these rules, see Cosmetic Ingredients in 2026: Trends and Rules.
Since October 2023, microbeads in products for exfoliating, polishing or cleansing have been banned. According to the source, there was no transition period because the industry had already largely phased out this use voluntarily.
Further dates under the regulation: - from 17 October 2027: rinse-off cosmetics (e.g. shampoo, shower gel) - from 17 October 2029: leave-on cosmetics for skin or hair (e.g. creams, hair gel) - from 17 October 2029: plastic microparticles may no longer be used to encapsulate fragrances - from 17 October 2035: lipsticks, nail polishes and make-up products
This leaves transition periods of up to 12 years for some product categories.
If you would like to make more conscious cosmetic choices, Mary4.beauty offers clear beauty guides and information on ingredients, so you can explore further resources on conscious cosmetics when needed.
The EU microplastics ban will change cosmetics over several years: first exfoliating particles, then rinse-off and leave-on products, and finally make-up. This will give salons and customers more clarity about which formulations will disappear from the market in future.