Are Microplastics in Shaving Products Harming Your Health? The Hidden Risks

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Most people focus on plastic razors ending up in landfills, but few realize the health risks of microplastics in shaving products. Recent studies suggest that microplastics are not just harming the planet—they could be entering our bodies through shaving, water, and even the air.

In this article, we’ll explore how microplastics get into shaving products, the hidden health risks of exposure, and how to switch to a microplastic-free shaving routine.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are plastic particles under 5mm in size, commonly created either as:

  • Primary microplastics, like polyethylene oxide (PEG) used in lubricating strips
  • Secondary microplastics, which form when plastic handles degrade into tiny fragments over time

These particles don’t biodegrade. Instead, they fragment into smaller pieces—eventually becoming nanoplastics, which are small enough to cross into cells and tissues.

Shaving-Specific Exposure Risks

1. Lubrication Strips: A Hidden Source

Many cartridge razors include a lubricating strip designed for smoother gliding. These strips are often made with:

  • Polyethylene oxide (PEG), a water-soluble polymer
  • Polystyrene substrates that release the PEG gradually
  • Additives like BHT and acrylates to enhance durability

A 2024 Journal of Hazardous Materials study found that each shave can release 112 ± 24 microplastic particles per cm² of skin shaved.

When exposed to water and friction, PEG breaks down into ethylene oxide—a compound classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

2. Dermal Absorption Through Nicks and Cuts

Microplastic absorption through healthy skin is low (~0.03%).
But through damaged skin (like shaving cuts)? Uptake increases up to 4.8%, especially for particles smaller than 10μm [Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 2024].

This matters because over 90% of shavers experience at least one nick per session.

3. Inhalation Risk from Dry Shaving

Each razor stroke can release 120–180 airborne microplastic particles, many of which are small enough to be inhaled.
Studies show that 54% of these particles reach deep lung regions, raising risks of respiratory inflammation [European Respiratory Review, 2024].

Health Risks of Shaving-Related Microplastics

🧬 Hormonal Disruption

Lubricating strips often contain butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a common plastic stabilizer. BHT has been shown to interfere with thyroid hormone production and estrogen receptors, particularly when absorbed through damaged skin or in combination with other additives [ScienceDaily, 2024].

🩸 Dermal Absorption Through Compromised Skin

Shaving often causes nicks, microtears, and irritation, which compromise the skin’s natural barrier. Studies using 3D skin models show that:

  • Particles smaller than 10μm can penetrate damaged skin at absorption rates as high as 4.8%
  • Larger particles (>100μm) may still enter through open cuts or abrasions
  • Hydrated skin (like post-shave) increases the uptake of harmful additives like PBDEs and BHT [Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 2024]

Since over 90% of shavers experience at least one nick per session, this creates a frequent and direct entry point for microplastic-related compounds to enter the bloodstream.

🔥 Chronic Inflammation

Inhaled microplastics can trigger persistent inflammation in the lungs by activating immune responses, including the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Over time, this has been linked to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and reduced lung capacity [European Respiratory Review, 2024].

🫀 Microplastics in the Bloodstream

Once microplastics enter the bloodstream—often through cuts, abrasions, or inhaled particles that cross lung membranes—they can trigger serious systemic effects. Studies have found microplastics inside immune cells and arterial plaque, where they promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and clot formation. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks, particularly in individuals with existing heart conditions. Nanoplastics have also been shown to disrupt blood vessel function by damaging the endothelial lining, contributing to hypertension and vascular stiffness over time Science Advances, 2024.

 

How to Reduce Microplastic Exposure in Your Shaving Routine

The best way to protect yourself is to eliminate plastic from your shaving products altogether.

Switch to Stainless Steel Safety Razors

  • No plastic parts = No microplastics
  • Lasts a lifetime, reducing waste
  • More cost-effective over time

Use Natural Shaving Creams & Soaps

  • Avoid products with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or acrylates copolymer
  • Opt for natural, organic shaving soaps

Avoid Lubrication Strips on Cartridge Razors

  • These often contain synthetic polymers that degrade into microplastics

Rockwell Razors: A Microplastic-Free Solution

At Rockwell Razors, we provide high-quality stainless steel safety razors that eliminate plastic waste and reduce microplastic pollution.

Make the switch today! Shop Rockwell Razors →

 

Final Thoughts: The Future of Safe, Sustainable Shaving

Microplastics are an invisible but growing problem—not just for the planet, but for human health. Small changes in your shaving routine can help reduce exposure to harmful plastics and protect the environment.

Ready to make the switch? Explore our microplastic-free razors at getrockwell.com and shave sustainably!

 

FAQs About Microplastics & Shaving

Here are the Frequently Asked Questions to include in your blog:

Q1: What are microplastics in shaving products?
Microplastics in shaving products often originate from polyethylene oxide (PEG) in lubricating strips and polystyrene components in razor handles. These materials can shed tiny plastic particles during shaving.

Q2: Can microplastics from razors enter the body?
Yes. Microplastics can penetrate the skin through cuts or nicks and can also be inhaled during dry shaving, leading to potential health risks.

Q3: How do disposable razors impact the environment?
Disposable razors contribute to microplastic pollution and solid waste. They degrade slowly in landfills, releasing harmful particles into water and soil systems.

Q4: Are safety razors better for the environment?
Yes. Stainless steel safety razors are reusable, generate no plastic waste, and have a significantly lower environmental footprint over their lifetime.

Q5: Which ingredients in shaving products should I avoid to reduce microplastic exposure?
Avoid ingredients like polyethylene (PEG-100), BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene), and acrylate copolymers, as they contribute to microplastic pollution.

Q6: Is there any regulation on microplastics in razors?
The EU plans to ban PEG >1,000 Da in rinse-off cosmetics by 2026. However, in the U.S., razors are not currently included in the Microbead-Free Waters Act, creating a regulatory gap.

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