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

There is increasing concern within the scientific community and the general population regarding the impacts of personal care product (PCP) use on human health and the environment. This article outlines evidence regarding the health and environmental impacts associated with PCP use. Specifically, it examines the impacts of intentionally added plastic particles or "microbeads"; microplastics and nanoplastics 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 and nonplastic polymers not classified as plastics used in PCPs. Recommendations to reduce the impact of PCPs on human health and the environment will be discussed.