When it comes to your skincare, it’s not just about what you put on your skin - it’s also about what’s hiding in the bottle. And trust us, what you don’t know can hurt you. Microplastics are in our oceans, our soil and even our food. When we created Tallow Twins, we said no thanks to all of that garbage. Microplastics didn't make the invite list. From day one, we’ve committed to designing our products without introducing plastics into our formulation and packaging process. Why? Because we believe your skincare should nurture your body without adding hidden environmental and hormonal stressors. Simple as that.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles - smaller than 5 millimetres - that sneak their way into skincare products in the form of exfoliants and fillers. They might give that silky-smooth finish or make your scrub feel extra gritty. While they’re invisible to the naked eye, their impact is anything but small. And they’re not just in the products themselves. Most generic skincare brands pack their lotions and potions in plastic containers, which can break down over time and leach microplastics into your body.
Here’s where things get really scary. Those tiny plastic particles don’t just disappear after you rinse off your cleanser or scrub. They make their way into waterways, soil, and even the air we breathe. Emerging studies suggest microplastics may even impact brain health and immune function.
Where Microplastics Lurk in Big-Name Skincare
Exfoliants: Those tiny scrubbing beads in drugstore products? Often made of plastic.
Emulsifiers: Found in lotions and creams to create a "smooth" feel.
Fragrances & Glitter: Synthetic sparkle? Yep, more plastic.
Once these particles are washed down the drain, they don’t just disappear. They end up in our waterways, where marine life consumes them- and so do we.
How Microplastics Can Affect Your Hormones
Microplastics can disrupt your body. They contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates and BPA, which mimic hormones and interfere with your body’s natural processes. Hormonal imbalances caused by EDCs can lead to issues like irregular cycles, infertility and even hormone-related cancers. Of course, the more hormone-disrupting ingredients we use on our skin, the worse it becomes - usually manifesting as acne or hyperpigmentation.
Doing Our Part
When we started our company, we wanted to create wellness products and skincare with intention. Our organic skincare products are made from natural, ancestral ingredients like grass-fed tallow and frankincense - zero microplastics involved. From start to finish, our products are formulated without a trace of plastic. Plastic containers can release tiny particles called microplastics into your skincare over time. How much depends on:
1. The type of plastic (some break down faster).
2. How long it’s stored (the longer, the more microplastics).
3. Conditions (heat, light, and oils speed up the process).
For example:
• If a 100g product sits in plastic for 2 years, it could absorb up to 100mg of microplastics - that’s about the weight of a grain of rice.
If you want to avoid this, choose skincare in glass or metal containers instead. Our tallow skincare is packaged in sustainable glass jars that are safe for our bodies and the planet. Glass packaging can also extend the shelf life of skincare products. Glass is non-porous and impermeable, meaning it doesn’t interact with the product inside, unlike plastic, which can degrade over time. This ensures that active ingredients remain stable and effective for longer. Want to get serious about clean beauty? Making the switch to glass jars is a great first step.