Behind the shimmer of the beauty products we use every day, there’s a minor threat that often goes unnoticed: microplastics. These tiny, invisible particles may leave your skin feeling smooth, but their traces can damage the oceans, the soil, and even find their way back into our bodies through food. The question is, is looking beautiful worth the risks microplastics pose to our health and the environment?
When it comes to beauty trends, many people focus on the result: smooth skin, a fresh look, and confidence. But have we ever wondered whether the “beauty” we achieve comes at a cost to the earth? One issue that’s currently emerging is microplastics—tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, that are often hidden in our everyday products.
Microplastics can arise from larger plastic fragments that decompose over time, or they can be intentionally manufactured to a micro size. Based on their origin, microplastics are divided into two categories: primary microplastics, which are manufactured at a microscale and released directly into the environment. Meanwhile, secondary microplastics are plastic fragments that form accidentally, for example, from crushed plastic waste or tyre abrasion.
Surprisingly, these primary microplastics are common in the beauty world. Facial scrubs or body scrubs, which provide a soft, granular sensation to remove dead skin cells, often use tiny plastic microbeads.
From an industrial perspective, microbeads are considered a cheap solution. Compared to natural scrubs like coffee grounds or apricot pits, microbeads are easier to produce in large quantities, have a uniform shape, and are, of course, economical. As a result, many beauty products on the market choose this route to meet competitive price demands.
Microplastic Footprint in Nature
The problem is, these tiny particles don’t stop on our skin. After being rinsed off, microbeads flow with water into drains and eventually into rivers or the sea. That’s where the big problem begins.
Research has found that microplastics are widespread: in oceans, freshwater, soil, and even the air. Due to their bioaccumulative nature, microplastics accumulate in organisms and are difficult to decompose, posing a real threat. Small animals can ingest them, which are then eaten by larger animals, and ultimately enter the human food chain. Imagine: the fish we consume may harbour traces of microplastics in their bodies.
The impact is profound. Microplastics can damage animal organs, cause death, and even carry other hazardous substances such as heavy metals. The chemicals in plastic, such as BPA, are also known to disrupt hormones and the reproductive system.
Not only does the ocean suffer, but agriculture is affected as well. Soil exposed to microplastics can lose its quality, soil microorganisms are disrupted, and plants struggle to grow optimally. In other words, microplastics have the potential to damage our food sources in various ways.
Are they Halal and Thayyib?
What is the halal status of cosmetic products containing microplastics?
According to the Decree of the Minister of Religious Affairs (KMA) Number 1360 of 2021, microplastics fall into the category of “Processed Materials That Do Not Pose a Risk of Containing and/or Being Contaminated with Non-Halal Materials.” This means that, from a halal perspective, microplastics are not critical materials and are considered halal.
However, the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has banned the use of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetic products since 2019 through BPOM Regulation No. 23 of 2019. Unfortunately, this regulation does not specify the types of materials that fall into the microbead category, often confusing both producers and consumers.
While microplastics may be safe from a halal perspective, the bigger question remains: are these materials thayyib (good)?
Islam teaches that every Muslim should choose not only what is halal but also what brings goodness. Allah SWT. Allah says in Surah Al-A’raf: 56: “Do not cause corruption on the earth after it has been set in order. Pray to Him with fear and hope. Indeed, Allah’s mercy is close to those who do good.”
This message reminds us not to harm the environment with our choices, no matter how small the impact. Using eco-friendly products, choosing natural ingredients, and supporting industries that care for the earth are concrete steps we can take.
Time for Change
As consumers, we have great power. Every time we choose a product, we send a signal to the industry about what we consider essential. If more people turn to natural scrubs or eco-friendly cosmetics, the industry will slowly adapt.
For manufacturers, this is also a golden opportunity. Developing beauty products that are not only halal but also environmentally friendly can be a plus in the eyes of consumers who are increasingly aware of sustainability issues.
Ultimately, true beauty is not just about outward appearance. It is also about how we care for ourselves without leaving a trace of microplastics. Therefore, we need to reflect on ourselves when purchasing beauty products: is this product capable of making us beautiful without leaving a trace of microplastics? (DIL)
References :
- Jurnal Halal 175 : https://halalmui.org/jurnal-halal/175/
- Peraturan Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan Nomor 23 Tahun 2019 tentang Persyaratan Teknis Bahan Kosmetika
- Keputusan Menteri Agama Republik Indonesia Nomor 1360 Tahun 2021 Tentang Bahan yang Dikecualikan dari Kewajiban Bersertifikat Halal
- https://www.techscience.com/jpm/v39n1-2/55979/html (diakses pada 10 Agustus 2025)
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10203861/ (diakses pada 10 Agustus 2025)
- https://quran.kemenag.go.id/quran/per-ayat/surah/7?from=1&to=206 (diakses pada 10 Agustus 2025)
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1382668923002661 (diakses pada 10 Agustus 2025)
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950305124000214 (diakses pada 10 Agustus 2025)
