Plastic in Dermatology: Impact on human health, skin disease and the contribution of personal care product use to environmental pollution.

Abstract

There is increasing concern in the scientific community and amongst the general population regarding the impacts of personal care product (PCP) use on human health and the environment. This article will outline evidence regarding the health and environmental impacts associated with PCP use. The impacts of intentionally added plastic particles or 'microbeads'; micro- and nano plastics which are shed during plastic degradation from PCP packaging during use and once discarded in the environment; and chemicals of concern including plastic-associated chemicals (PACs) and non-plastic polymers not classified as plastics used in PCPs; will be explored. Recommendations to reduce the impact of PCPs on human health and the environment will be discussed.