How Microplastics Are Sneaking Into Your Skin—And How to Defend It

By Dr. Baek | Founder of ORGAID

We all know microplastics are polluting oceans and harming wildlife—but what many don’t realize is that these tiny plastic particles are making their way into our bodies, too. Through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and yes—through the skincare products we use every day.

As a formulator and skincare researcher, I find this deeply concerning. Let me explain what’s happening, and what we can all do to protect our skin and our health.

What Are Microplastics Doing to Our Skin?

Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5mm in size. They come from degraded packaging, industrial runoff, and synthetic ingredients in beauty products.

When your skin barrier is healthy, it can block out most invaders. But if it’s compromised—say, from harsh exfoliants or too many actives—these particles can sneak in.

Recent research shows that microplastics may:

• Trigger inflammation and oxidative stress

• Disrupt the skin's microbiome

• Accelerate skin aging

• Potentially interfere with hormonal balance (especially when they carry additives like phthalates or BPA)

Where Are They Hiding in Skincare?

Microplastics often appear in:

• Scrubs and cleansers with plastic microbeads

• Thickeners and fillers like polyethylene or acrylates

• Packaging that leaches particles into products over time

Even though microbeads are banned in some countries, many "invisible plastics" are still used in beauty formulations.

How to Defend Your Skin

1.Strengthen Your Skin Barrier

A strong barrier is your best defense.

• Use gentle, pH-balanced products (ideally around 5.5)

• Avoid over-exfoliating or stripping your skin

• Look for soothing, barrier-repairing ingredients like Sunflower oil, Rice extract, and Honey

2.Read Ingredient Lists Carefully

Steer clear of hidden plastics like:

• Polyethylene (PE)

• Polyacrylate

• Acrylamide

• PEGs and PPGs

3.Choose Conscious Packaging

Look for skincare housed in glass, biodegradable, or non-leaching materials—and skip anything wrapped in excessive plastic.

How ORGAID Stays Microplastic-Free

At ORGAID, we take this seriously.

• Our products are bottled in glass, with biodegradable packaging—even our sheet masks are made with Eco-derma, a biodegradable, plant-based fabric.

• Instead of plastic microbeads, we use rice and crystalized honey to gently exfoliate.

• We avoid all harsh synthetics: no parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde, or sulfates.

• Our production uses only stainless steel utensils and pots, so there’s no risk of plastic leaching into your skincare.

• And of course, everything we make is pH-balanced to support a healthy, resilient skin barrier.

Final Thought

“Healthy skin starts with clean, thoughtful ingredients. At ORGAID, we believe skincare should never pollute your body—or the planet.”

Thanks for reading. If you have questions or want to learn more about safe skincare, stay tuned for more posts here on Dr. Baek’s Skin Solutions.