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Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Extend the ban on microplastics to cover products such as sunscreen & cosmetics

Closed 268 signatures

What the petition asks

In June 2018, microbeads in rinse-off products were banned in the UK, applying to products that immediately washed off after using them, such as toothpaste and face scrubs. We would like to see the ban expanded to cover products that are applied and left on the skin, such as sunscreen & cosmetics.
Whilst the current ban tackles rinse-off products, it does not cover products that are applied and left on the skin, such as sunscreen or cosmetics. This is despite the fact that sunscreens are applied before going for a swim. Over 75% of sunscreen products contain microplastic, and it's clear that the current ban on microplastics doesn't go far enough. Extending the ban to cover sunscreen and cosmetics would significantly reduce microplastic in our waterways, reducing impacts on wildlife.

Timeline

23 Mar 2021 Petition opened for signatures
23 Sep 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 268
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 23 Mar 2021
Closed 23 Sep 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.