All Topics

Polyethylene

INCI name: Polyethylene

Function: Abrasive agent (in the form of microbeads), film-forming agent, viscosity control agent, emulsion stabilizer, bulking agent.

Origin: Synthetic.

Concentration allowed by European regulations : Prohibited in Europe (polyethylene microbeads).

Where to find it / them? : Scrubs, shampoo, lipstick, wax strips, tinted lip balm, eye pencil, lip pencils, face creams, lip oils, eye shadow bases, soaps, face cleansing gels, toothpastes, eye contour creams, mascaras, foundations, body milks/baumes, blushes, anti-dark circles, deodorants.

Risks to health: Potential skin irritant (moderate).

Risks to the environment : Non-biodegradable, potential aquatic ecotoxicity.

More information : Size of the microbeads ranges between 0,1 and 1 mm.