Microbeads are tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm, commonly used in rinse-off personal care products such as toothpaste, facial scrubs, shampoos, soaps, and body washes. These particles are persistent and bioaccumulative in the ecosystem, posing significant challenges to marine environments and food chains connected to them.
Many countries worldwide have banned or are working to ban microbeads in cosmetics. This article explores the definitions and policy requirements regarding plastic microbeads in cosmetic regulations across APAC countries and regions.