DKSH France Personal Care Industry Unveils its Solutions for Navigating EU 2023/2055 – Microplastic-free Formulations
The European Commission’s Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, enforced on 17th October 2023, marks a major step forward in reducing microplastic pollution generated by personal care products. This legislation targets intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles—commonly known as microplastics—in consumer products with the aim of preventing the release of more than 500 000 tons of microplastics into the ocean by 2055.
What are microplastics?
A microplastic is a solid synthetic polymer microparticle (SPM) which contains at least 1 Carbon atom in their chemical structure, is not biodegradable, is water insoluble, constitutes at least 1%w/w of particles formed or present, forms a surface layer, and measures between 0.1µm and 5mm in size.
Why are microplastics found in Personal Care products?
Previously, a wide variety of functional ingredients in personal care products were formulated with synthetic polymer derived materials that, unknowingly, polluted the environment. Synthetic ingredients were commonly found in exfoliating products such as face and body scrubs, toothpastes, and cleansing gels in the form of microbeads. Due to the sustainability awareness that impacts all industries now a days, there is a need to seek natural or environmentally friendly alternatives that meet quality standards.
Synthetic polymer microparticles can be found in a wide range of finished products including haircare, sunscreens, makeup, nail, and skincare formulations. These ingredients are often used because of their versatile functional roles, including exfoliation and abrasion enhancement, texture and sensory improvement, film formation, thickening and viscosity improvement, binding and stabilizing, as well as hydrophobic coating.
What’s Banned—and when?
- 17 October 2023, for rinsed scrub or cleansing cosmetic products. This concerns exfoliating microbeads and plastic loose glitter
- 17 October 2025, suppliers of products and finished products containing synthetic polymer microparticles that qualify for the 5b derogation shall provide a label with instructions on how to use and dispose of the product so no microparticles are released into the environment.
- 17 October 2027, for rinsed cosmetics including items like facial scrubs and body washes.
- 17 October 2028, for waxes and polishes
- 17 October 2029, for leave-on cosmetics such as lotions and creams, as well as encapsulated fragrances
- 17 October 2035, for make-up including for lips and nails
DKSH Personal Care Proposes Innovative Solutions to Respond to this Issue
To meet these deadlines and maintain product performance, innovation is essential. At DKSH France, we stay ahead of regulatory shifts to support customers with sustainable, high-performing solutions. Our comprehensive portfolio offers a vast range of functional ingredients including thickeners, film-formers, and sensory powders that align with EU 2023/2055 and can ensure unique high-quality results.
To meet these deadlines and maintain product performance, innovation is essential. At DKSH France, we stay ahead of regulatory shifts to support customers with sustainable, high-performing solutions. Our comprehensive portfolio offers a vast range of functional ingredients including thickeners, film-formers, and sensory powders that align with EU 2023/2055 and can ensure unique high-quality results.
Thickeners and texturizing agents:
- Visconat U®: natural, eco-friendly thickener and stabilizer with a great range of pH and temperature stability. Offering velvet-soft gels with skin benefits for improved skin elasticity and moisturization.
- TAMAVISCO®: upcycled tamarind seed based multifunctional rheology modifier delivering unique transparent non sticky textures, varying from liquid serums to solid gels and rich creams, offering a soft baby skin after feel.
- VAVS Gel: Vegetable alternative to silicone elastomer gels from natural and upcycled origin with versatility for various textures.
- WeylCare® ATBS: Water-soluble thickener exempt from the regulation, with elegant, powdery touch.
Film-formers:
- Pullulan: natural polysaccharide for instant lifting, high lubricity, and good adhesion offering smooth textures. Suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Lissenare™: Natural functional hair styling and strengthening ingredient providing improved hair fixation and flexible hair styling in synergy with Pullulan. It improves suppleness and strength from within the hair fiber.
- Plascize L-8066U: Ultra strong-hold film former for mascara and foundations—exempt from regulation.
Sensory powders:
- Micromica MK-C: Advanced filler/extender with high transparency and mattifying effect. Filler with silky and smooth texture.
- Ganzpearl GE- 0630P: Stearic acid based, soft-focus powder—an excellent eco-friendly microbead alternative.
Learn More
Want to know more about our Microplastic Alternatives for Personal Care Formulations? Contact us to obtain insights from our exclusive webinar hosted by our regulatory and technical experts, who are here to help you formulate the next generation of sustainable, regulation-compliant cosmetics.
Want to know more about our Microplastic Alternatives for Personal Care Formulations? Contact us to obtain insights from our exclusive webinar hosted by our regulatory and technical experts, who are here to help you formulate the next generation of sustainable, regulation-compliant cosmetics.
Informations pratiques
Pour toute demande d'information complémentaire, veuillez contacter :
Pour toute demande d'information complémentaire, veuillez contacter :
