From Shelf to Skin: Tracing Microplastic Contamination in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products across Türkiye

This study investigates microplastic content in 79 personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs)-shampoos, shower gels, peeling gels, and toothpastes-from various commercial brands in Türkiye, each analyzed through multiple extractions. Microplastics were identified using stereomicroscopy, Nile Red staining for fluorescence-based screening, and confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Shower gels contained the highest levels, while no microplastics were detected in toothpastes. Two types of microplastics -fibers and microbeads- were found, with fibers most common in shower gels (46%), followed by peeling gels (40%) and shampoos (14%). Polyethylene-based microbeads appeared only in one shower gel brand. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between product types (p < 0.05). FTIR analysis revealed that bead-like particles in peeling gels and toothpastes were primarily silica- or cellulose-based. Findings suggest a declining trend in plastic microbeads, possibly influenced by global awareness and policy changes. The study highlights the lack of standardized methodologies in PCCP microplastic research and calls for harmonized international regulations to reduce environmental contamination and ecological risks.