Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic. For example, partially broken-down plastic bags, bottles and other products. Think about the plastic microbeads used in face scrubs. Those are considered microplastics. *Karisma uses health and environmentally conscious jojoba beads. It is well known the increasing exposure to plastic is wreaking havoc on our oceans (see below). Recent studies have shown it is also a risk to our health. An Austrian study last year on people on four continents found microplastics in every single person tested. It was been found in breast milk too! Research has just begun but what we know is troubling. Plastic usage is a grand experiment and the subjects are us and our environment.
OUR ENVIRONMENT
A new study suggests the amount of plastics pollution in our ocean is far worse than previously thought. Using underwater robots of the California Coast, researchers found microplastics pervasive not only on the surface but thousands of feet below. “We found microplastics everywhere we looked. They were in every sample and in every specimen.”
OUR SKINCARE AND OUR HEALTH
Plastic bottles can leach toxic chemicals into your skincare products. Even the purest skincare products if packaged in plastic can fall victim to chemicals leached from their plastic containers. This means that harmful chemicals enter the product and then are applied directly to your skin. Given that the skin absorbs products just as if they were food eaten and absorbed in the body it is critical to educate yourself on the impact plastic skincare packaging can have on your health even if the product is considered “clean”.
The big offenders are plastic bottles made from PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) which can leach BPA, phthalates into the product. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, affecting human hormones and have been linked to reproductive issues, liver damage and suspected to be toxic to the fetus during pregnancy.
Recent Research has found links between BPA plastics to prostate and breast cancer cell growth. Plastics made from polyvinyl chloride are believed to leach the hormone disrupting chemical DEHP. The FDA was concerned enough to prohibit use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups!
Exposure to high levels of phthalates in plastics is also associated with autism spectrum disorder, obesity, behavior problems and thyroid disruption. Some microplastics can trigger an immune response that can cause inflammation. “The smallest particles are capable of entering the bloodstream, the lymphatic system and may even reach the liver.”
The bottom line is skincare products sold in plastic containers may be corrupted. Skincare packaging made of plastic may have serious negative health and environmental impacts.
USE GLASS EN MASSE!
WHY KARISMA USES GLASS PACKAGING
Glass is nontoxic, impermeable and nonporous. It does not degrade and is chemically inert. Meaning glass will not leach into the product it contains. As a bonus glass guards against moisture and oxygen. The results are that clean skincare products packaged in glass do not have the harmful risks of those packaged in plastic, they stay fresher and have a longer shelf life. Not only is glass your best choice of packaging for your skincare product it is the best choice for the environment. It is the ultimate sustainable product. Glass can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality.
I choose glass containers for Karisma products not only because I value the integrity of my products, I also value the health of Karisma customers and our obligation to protect the environment. Clean products in clean packaging – your conscious, healthy and pure beauty will shine through!
