The Hidden Cost of Cleanliness and Beauty: How the Microbiome Impacts Our Health and the Planet and Solutions through Green Chemistry and the Circular Economy

Abstract

Purpose: This review is not intended to critically address the existing literature on the dual impacts of conventional cosmetics and cleaning products on human microbiome and planetary health, such as ecotoxicity, biodegradability issues and pollution. It will also assess the potential, impacts, successes and limitations of green chemistry principles and circular economy models as integrated solutions to mitigate these negative impacts. Material and Methods: This research review adopted a narrative methodology. The study searched academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Google Patents and Turkpatent patent databases. The literature review was primarily limited to publications between 2009 and 2024. Research articles, review articles and patent documents were analyzed. Keywords related to cosmetics, cleaning products, microbiome, environmental impact, green chemistry, circular economy, biosurfactants, and sustainable packaging were identified. The sources selected included peer-reviewed and theme-appropriate English and Turkish literature. Results: The negative impact is associated with environmental issues such as aquatic toxicity, persistence and plastic waste, and microbiome dysbiosis of traditional product ingredients such as surfactants, preservatives, UV filters and microplastics. Green chemistry approaches emphasize alternatives such as biosurfactants, safer preservatives and renewable raw materials. In addition, circular economy strategies contribute to waste utilization, sustainable packaging and reuse models. However, these solutions face limitations such as cost, performance, scalability and lack of standard validation. The concept of "microbiome-friendly" products is evolving, but the lack of standardized testing protocols has led to microbiome laundering. Conclusion: Conventional cosmetics and cleaning products have severe and unsustainable impacts on the human microbiome and environmental systems. Therefore, an integrated approach that integrates green chemistry and circular economy principles is critical for systemic transformation towards sustainability. Closing knowledge gaps, establishing standardized testing protocols, overcoming technical barriers to scalability, and implementing supportive regulatory structures are needed to develop safe and sustainable alternatives.

Keywords

• Cosmetics
• Cleaning Products
• Green Chemistry
• Circular Economy
• Environmental Health

Temizliğin ve Güzelliğin Gizli Bedeli: Mikrobiyom Sağlığımız ve Gezegen Üzerindeki Etkileri ile Yeşil Kimya ve Döngüsel Ekonomi Yoluyla Çözümler

Abstract

Purpose: This review is not intended to critically address the existing literature on the dual impacts of conventional cosmetics and cleaning products on human microbiome and planetary health, such as ecotoxicity, biodegradability issues and pollution. It will also assess the potential, impacts, successes and limitations of green chemistry principles and circular economy models as integrated solutions to mitigate these negative impacts. Material and Methods: This research review adopted a narrative methodology. The study searched academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Google Patents and Turkpatent patent databases. The literature review was primarily limited to publications between 2009 and 2024. Research articles, review articles and patent documents were analyzed. Keywords related to cosmetics, cleaning products, microbiome, environmental impact, green chemistry, circular economy, biosurfactants, and sustainable packaging were identified. The sources selected included peer-reviewed and theme-appropriate English and Turkish literature. Results: The negative impact is associated with environmental issues such as aquatic toxicity, persistence and plastic waste, and microbiome dysbiosis of traditional product ingredients such as surfactants, preservatives, UV filters and microplastics. Green chemistry approaches emphasize alternatives such as biosurfactants, safer preservatives and renewable raw materials. In addition, circular economy strategies contribute to waste utilization, sustainable packaging and reuse models. However, these solutions face limitations such as cost, performance, scalability and lack of standard validation. The concept of "microbiome-friendly" products is evolving, but the lack of standardized testing protocols has led to microbiome laundering. Conclusion: Conventional cosmetics and cleaning products have severe and unsustainable impacts on the human microbiome and environmental systems. Therefore, an integrated approach that integrates green chemistry and circular economy principles is critical for systemic transformation towards sustainability. Closing knowledge gaps, establishing standardized testing protocols, overcoming technical barriers to scalability, and implementing supportive regulatory structures are needed to develop safe and sustainable alternatives.

Keywords

• Microbiome
• Cosmetics
• Cleaning Products
• Green Chemistry
• Circular Economy
• Environmental Health

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