The Problem Called Plastic

You’d think cosmetics would be the exception in our plastic-laden world. Sad truth: they're not. Research by the Plastic Soup Foundation found that 87% of leading cosmetics and personal care products contain microplastics—tiny plastic particles often invisible to the naked eye. These are sometimes also called microbeads, and yes, they're still very present.

From ocean depths to the Arctic tundra, microplastics now reside in food, soil, water—and in our blood. These particles don’t degrade—they just hang around, wreaking slow but steady havoc. Unless they’re incinerated (creating a different kind of mess), the plastic you used decades ago may still be swimming around somewhere.

Emerging science is painting a frightening picture—microplastics may trigger inflammation, disrupt hormone balance, harm reproductive health, weaken gut barriers, and even accumulate in organs like lungs, liver, and arteries. 

Microplastics can also act like toxic sponges, ferrying metals and other contaminants deep into our bodies. Some scientists even link airborne microplastics to infertility, colon cancer, and lung issues.

In short? The science is still evolving, but the red flags are numerous and cannot be ignored.

Microplastics sneak their way into toothpaste—for cheap—it’s that simple. They act as abrasive scrubbers or fillers and are cheaper than safer, natural alternatives. Yet despite industry promises to phase them out, many brands still use them—even now.

The Industry Still Slips

Global bans like the U.S. Microbead-Free Waters Act (2015) prohibit plastic microbeads in rinse-off products—including toothpaste—since mid‑2017. But loopholes and global inconsistencies mean microplastics still appear in many markets, and “rinse-off” standards vary—leaving gaps where microplastics can persist. For example, the Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 under REACH still allows the use of microplastics in rinse-off products like toothpastes until 2027.

And despite voluntary promises, scans through the Beat the Microbead database confirm microplastics remain widespread in oral care.

Products may still be caught in a plastic loop—but you don’t have to be:

1. Become a savvy shopper. Use the Beat the Microbead app or read ingredient lists for “polyethylene,” “polypropylene,” or “polymethyl methacrylate” (PMMA)—common plastic markers.
   
   
2. Choose wisely. Look for brands that are transparent, use natural scrubbers (like silica, baking soda, or charcoal), and avoid microplastics.
   
   
3. Make the switch to Smyle. Our toothpaste tabs and liquid toothpaste are guaranteed microplastic-free—so you can brush smarter, not harsher on your health or the planet.