A ban on the manufacture of products containing microparticles went into effect in the UK on January 9.

According to the Minister of the Environment, Thérèse Coffey, manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products will no longer be able to add products such as facial peels, toothpastes and shower gels.

The UK government described the move as a “historic step” in what it has called “one of the toughest bans in the world” on microparticles.

“Microspheres are completely unnecessary when there are so many natural alternatives available, and I am delighted that as of today cosmetic manufacturers can no longer add this harmful plastic to their rinse products,” Coffey said.

The ban follows the successful introduction of the 5p charge for plastic bags in October 2015, which led to a 90% cut in bag use in England.

Other states in the UK, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, have also previously introduced charges and have reported significant drops in usage.