The Truth About Plastic in Cosmetics — and How to Choose Truly Plastic-Free Skincare
Discover why plastic-free beauty matters and how you can make more conscious choices for your skin and the planet.
Did you know that up to 40% of cosmetics contain plastic?
According to Cosmethics research, nearly every second beauty product on the market includes plastic-based ingredients — often without consumers realizing it. Plastics are not just visible microbeads; they also appear as invisible fillers, thickeners, or film-forming agents in both conventional and so-called “natural” products.
Substances like acrylates copolymer, polyquaternium-7, and polymethyl methacrylate are among the hidden plastics that don’t biodegrade but instead accumulate in waterways — and even in our own bodies. Studies have found microplastics in human blood and placentas, raising growing concern about long-term effects on health and the environment.
Regulation Is Catching Up — Slowly
In 2023, the European Union introduced new REACH regulations restricting intentionally added microplastics in certain cosmetics, such as exfoliators and toothpaste.
While this is an important milestone, many soluble and liquid plastics remain unregulated, and long transition periods mean that products containing plastics can still legally be sold for years to come. In other words, the burden of responsibility still falls heavily on consumers and brands to make cleaner choices.
Why It’s Hard to Spot Plastic in Cosmetics
For most consumers, identifying plastic-based ingredients is almost impossible. Labels aren’t required to state whether a product contains plastic, and ingredient lists (INCI) are filled with complex chemical names. Even “eco” or “natural” beauty products can include synthetic, plastic-derived ingredients — sometimes without the brand itself being fully aware of it.
This confusion often leads to greenwashing, where products appear more natural or sustainable than they truly are.
Twistbe: Leading the Way in Plastic-Free Beauty
There is, however, good news. Twistbe, a Finnish online and physical beauty store — and proud retailer of Henua Organics — has become the world’s first Cosmethics-certified 100% plastic-free cosmetics retailer.
The Cosmethics certification is based on a scientifically defined list of more than 800 plastic-related chemicals used in cosmetics. Every single product sold through Twistbe has undergone an independent analysis to verify that it is completely free from plastic in any form — both in ingredients and packaging.
This certification represents a new benchmark for transparency and sustainability in the beauty industry.
Henua Organics: Meeting the Same High Standards
Although Henua Organics as a brand cannot hold a Cosmethics certification itself (since it’s awarded only to retailers), we are proud to meet the same strict criteria.
All Henua Organics products are formulated without any plastic-derived ingredients — only using pure, natural, and biodegradable components that are safe for both skin and environment.
We believe that truly pure, effective skincare doesn’t need plastics. Our mission is to create luxury skincare that nourishes your skin, respects your body, and protects our planet — without compromise.
Choosing Plastic-Free Skincare Is an Act of Care
Opting for plastic-free beauty is more than just a trend — it’s a conscious step toward a healthier planet and a cleaner skincare routine. When you choose products that are free from unnecessary synthetics, you’re not only caring for your skin but also taking part in protecting our shared environment.
Because beauty should never come at the expense of your health — or the Earth.