Microplastics from cosmetics and other sources are spreading everywhere—in food, drinking water, and throughout the human body. Researchers warn that contamination could double by 2040 and predict widespread biological harm, though they say we need better evidence on which solutions actually work.

This is a review study that surveyed 20 years of published microplastic research to summarize what scientists have learned about sources, distribution, and health effects.

Funding not disclosed in abstract