Microplastics and Skin Risks

Microplastics from synthetic fabrics are more than just an environmental issue—they directly affect our health. When we wear clothing made from polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibers, tiny fragments shed from the fabric with every wash and wear. These microplastics can cling to our skin and, more alarmingly, facilitate the absorption of toxic chemicals through our largest organ: the skin. Recent research has shown that harmful additives commonly used in textiles, such as flame retardants, dyes, and plasticisers, do not remain locked in the fibres. Instead, they can leach out of these microplastics, penetrate the skin barrier, and make their way into the bloodstream. Once inside the body, these chemicals may act as endocrine disruptors, interfere with hormones, and accumulate over time—posing long-term risks to human health.

But clothing is only part of the picture. Synthetic textiles are woven into nearly every corner of our homes and workplaces (our bedding, towels, carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture all release microscopic fibres with regular use). Each time we sit on a sofa, pull a blanket over us, or dry off with a towel, we may be exposed to a fresh wave of microplastics and the chemicals they carry. Because these items come into prolonged, intimate contact with our skin, the risk of chemical transfer is even greater. 

Bedding, in particular, poses unique concerns. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, giving our bodies hours of uninterrupted contact with synthetic fibres every night. Over time, this continuous, low-level exposure compounds, raising questions about the cumulative impact of these invisible particles on human health

Skin Absorption: Scientific Findings

Research reveals that not all microplastics penetrate intact skin due to a robust barrier called the stratum corneum; however, nanoplastics (particles smaller than 100 nm) can pass through or accumulate in deeper skin layers, particularly around hair follicles or when the skin's protective barrier is weakened due to wounds or inflammation. Synthetic clothing and personal care products often contribute to this direct contact.

In addition, emerging evidence suggests that microplastics can enter the body through natural openings, such as sweat glands and hair follicles, particularly under conditions of sweat, heat, and prolonged friction commonly associated with synthetic activewear. This combined effect means that while intact skin generally limits penetration, daily wear of synthetic fabrics creates real exposure routes for these particles and the chemicals they carry. This exposure is particularly concerning for individuals with sensitive or damaged skin, as it amplifies the risk.

Toxic Chemicals: A Hidden Risk 

The health concern often centres on chemical additives in microplastics, such as flame retardants, phthalates, and bisphenol A (BPA), which are recognised endocrine disruptors. Recent experimental studies using human skin models have shown that up to 8% of chemicals, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), can be absorbed from microplastics through sweat-moistened skin. Continuous exposure allows these chemicals to accumulate in the body, potentially leading to long-term harm. 

In fact, the chemical components bound to microplastics can leach out when in contact with the skin, particularly in perspiring conditions. These chemicals have been linked not only with hormonal disruption but also with skin irritation, allergies, and even oxidative stress-driven cell damage. This dual threat (plastic particles themselves and their chemical cargo) makes synthetic fabric microplastics a significant emerging health concern, particularly for individuals who frequently wear synthetic clothing or sleep in synthetic bedding.

Factors Affecting Skin Absorption

• Particle Size: Smaller particles, especially nanoplastics, have greater potential to penetrate skin barriers.

• Skin Condition: Sweaty, damaged, or inflamed skin heightens absorption risk.

• Chemical Additives: Flame retardants and plasticisers are particularly prone to skin absorption.

• Duration and Frequency: Repeated or prolonged contact, such as daily wear of synthetic fabrics or sleeping in synthetic bedding, increases the risk of chemical build-up in tissues.

This risk is higher in individuals with sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis, who report higher incidences of irritation and rashes when wearing synthetic fabrics. The trapped heat and moisture from synthetic textiles also promote environments conducive to bacterial imbalance and infections, especially in intimate areas. Understanding these factors is crucial to mitigating exposure by making informed choices in fabric and garment care routines.

Health Effects: Current Evidence

• Skin Inflammation: Exposure to microplastics and their additives may trigger inflammatory responses, disrupt the skin’s natural balance, and stimulate immune reactions. 

• Hormonal Disruption: Chemicals such as phthalates and BPA from synthetic textiles can interfere with hormone signaling, potentially impacting reproductive health.

• Systemic Risks: Microplastics have been detected in blood, placenta, brains, and internal organs; chronic exposure may contribute to oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, and developmental abnormalities.

Furthermore, long-term exposure to microplastics from synthetic clothing is associated with oxidative stress and cellular aging, which may contribute to a spectrum of chronic diseases, including inflammatory disorders and neurodegeneration. The ubiquitous presence of microplastics in human tissues underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive research and preventive strategies to mitigate exposure. Recent findings of microplastics in fetal tissue especially raise concerns about developmental risks and the potential intergenerational effects of these contaminants.

Solutions for Everyday Life

Switching to fabrics made with natural, organic fibres that have low or no chemical treatments (such as those made with CleanBamboo® Lyocell) significantly limits microplastic shedding and subsequent skin exposure to harmful chemicals. Look for certifications such as OEKO-Tex Standard 100, indicating that the fabrics are free from harmful chemicals.

Beyond fabric choices, adopting gentle laundry practices (such as using cool water, slower spin cycles, gentle detergents, and air drying) reduces microfibre shedding. Using microfibre-catching laundry bags or filters provides some alleviation, but is no substitute for choosing natural fibres. 

Gradually replacing skin-close synthetic and non-organic bedding and garments, such as underwear and activewear, with natural, organic fibre options offers a practical path to reduce daily microplastic and chemical exposure.

Healthier Choices for a Safer Future 

Concerned about microplastics from synthetic fabrics and their ability to trigger toxic skin absorption? Make the switch to CleanBamboo® sheets, protectors, bath towels and bathrobes at ettitude: a brand committed to reducing microplastic pollution, promoting eco-friendly manufacturing, and safeguarding skin health. 

CleanBamboo® is a lyocell derived from certified organic bamboo, using non-toxic food-grade solvents, and low-impact, sustainable reactive dyes. It is certified OEKO-TEX Class I baby-safe.

FAQs

Are all synthetic fabrics equally responsible for microplastic shedding?

Not all synthetic fabrics shed microplastics at the same rate. Polyester and nylon tend to release more fibres than acrylic or other synthetics due to their distinct fibre structures and applications. Additionally, close-fitting and high-friction garments, such as activewear, shed more fibres due to the intense wear they endure.  

Can microplastics trapped in household dust affect indoor air quality and health?

Yes, microplastic fibres shed from synthetic textiles accumulate in household dust. When inhaled, these microscopic particles can lodge deep in the lungs and may contribute to respiratory irritation, inflammation, or other health issues, especially for children, the elderly, and those with sensitive respiratory systems. Because people spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, airborne microplastics represent a significant yet often overlooked exposure route, alongside skin contact and ingestion.

Common household sources of airborne microplastics include:

• Clothing: synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed fibres during daily wear.
  

• Bedding and linens: sheets, blankets, pillowcases, protectors, and comforters made with synthetics continuously release particles as we sleep.
  

• Upholstered furniture: sofas, chairs, and cushions often contain polyester or microfibre covers and padding.
  

• Carpets and rugs: synthetic floor coverings are a major contributor, releasing fibres through regular foot traffic and vacuuming.
  

• Curtains and drapes: long-lasting textiles that shed over time, especially when exposed to sunlight and airflow.
  

• Stuffed toys and cushions: children’s plush toys and decorative pillows frequently contain synthetic fibres that add to indoor dust.
  

• Household cleaning products: microfibre cloths and sponges, while marketed as eco-friendly alternatives to disposables, shed microplastics with each use.
  

Together, these everyday items create a constant cycle of fibre release, contributing to the accumulation of microplastics in the air we breathe and the dust that settles throughout the home.

How do microplastics in personal care products compare to those from bedding and clothing?

Microplastics in personal care products, such as exfoliating scrubs or toothpastes, can directly come into contact with the skin and facilitate the absorption of associated chemicals. While bedding and clothing-related microplastics mainly expose skin through contact and friction, personal care microplastics often have smaller sizes. They are designed for skin contact, potentially posing a greater risk of skin penetration and localized toxicity. Both sources contribute to overall microplastic exposure.

Are natural fibre fabrics completely free from microplastic shedding?

Natural fibres such as cotton, wool, and 100% plant based fibres like wood or bamboo lyocell do not shed plastic microfibres. Still, they can release natural fibres into water and air. These natural fibres break down more readily and do not pose the same pollution risks as synthetic microfibres. Hence, they are strongly recommended to reduce microplastic-related environmental and health impacts while providing a luxurious, skin-friendly fabric experience. 

What innovations exist to reduce microplastic pollution from textiles?

Researchers and textile manufacturers are developing high performance yet biodegradable plant-based fibres using low-impact methods (such as PLNTmatter), biodegradable additives, and advanced filtration technologies to capture microfibres at source, such as during laundry. 

Circular economy approaches prioritise fibre recycling to minimise production of virgin plastic. Supporting such innovations benefits both consumers and the planet.

Do recycled or biobased synthetics shed microplastics?

Yes, even recycled and biobased synthetic fabrics release plastic fibres, thereby intensifying the microplastic contamination cycle that surrounds us. A comprehensive 2022 review of microplastic emissions from textile materials confirmed that synthetic textiles, of various compositions including biobased and recycled fibres, continuously emit fibrous microplastics during use and laundering. 

Are biobased synthetic fibres biodegradable or compostable?

Biobased synthetic fabrics are synthetic fibres produced partly or wholly from renewable biological sources rather than fossil fuels. These fabrics are created by synthesising polymers derived from natural biomass such as plants (e.g., corn, sugar beet, sugarcane), agricultural waste, or other renewable resources. 

Although marketed as biodegradable and compostable, recent research shows that bio-based plastics like polylactic acid (PLA) did not break down at all in real ocean conditions during the experiment. This means that, despite their renewable origins (like cornstarch or sugarcane), these materials persist just as long as conventional synthetic plastics when released into the marine environment.

• PLA and other bio-based plastics require very specific industrial composting conditions to break down, which are rarely found in nature.

• When released in natural environments, these plastics behave like conventional plastics, adding to pollution and persisting for decades or centuries.

• Textile blends that contain both natural and plastic fibres only lose the natural components, leaving plastic elements behind in the ocean.

What about natural fibres and plant-based man-made cellulosics (MMCFs) like bamboo ? 

According to this study, natural fibres (cotton, wool, silk), and wood and bamboo derived fabrics (including viscose, modal, and lyocell) decompose naturally and quickly under real-world environmental conditions, confirming their compostability and biodegradability outside of industrial settings. However, the rate of their biodegradation can be further improved by minimising the use of dyes and textile finishing chemicals. Therefore, prioritising low-impact processing in MMCFs and other natural fibres not only ensures their end-of-life return to nature but also reduces the chemical burden during their use phase. This means that when responsibly produced, these textiles offer a double advantage: lowering human exposure to harmful additives while preventing the long-lasting pollution associated with synthetics.

What is ettitude doing to lower its impact?

At ettitude, we design every step of our textile process to minimise harm to both people and the planet. Our CleanBamboo® lyocell is a plant-based man-made cellulosic fibre (MMCF) made from FSC-certified and Eco-Cert certified organic bamboo, produced in a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents. Unlike many conventional textiles, we use only low-impact reactive dyes that bond tightly to fibres, reducing water waste and preventing excess dye runoff. Importantly, we never use harmful finishing chemicals such as formaldehyde, flame retardants, or PFAS coatings, ensuring our fabrics remain safe for skin contact and kinder to the environment. By combining renewable raw materials with responsible processing, ettitude demonstrates how the textile industry can shift away from synthetic microplastic pollution toward healthier, more sustainable solutions.