In a world where we’re increasingly exposed to microplastics, from food and water to the air we breathe, it’s no surprise people are searching for ways to “detox.” One of the most common ideas circulating online is that sweating, especially through saunas or other forms of heat therapy, hot yoga, or intense workouts can help sweat out microplastics. If you do a simple Google search on “Can you sweat out microplastics”, the AI summary will answer with a resounding yes. So case closed, right? Not so fast…
Despite what some mom blogs and sauna companies might be claiming, the idea that you can sweat out microplastics is more complicated and nuanced. The science around this topic is quite limited, and currently defined by small-scale studies that offer limited insights. So let’s break down what the science says, and dive deeper into the question of the day – can you sweat out microplastics?
What Are Microplastics, And Are They Dangerous?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, generally less than 5 millimeters in size. They seemingly have unlimited sources from our modern daily lifestyle, but may primarily come from:
- Broken-down plastic waste (e.g., bottles, bags, containers)
- Clothing fibers (from synthetic fabrics like polyester)
- Personal care products (like exfoliating beads in old-school face scrubs)
- Vehicle Tires (your automobile tire gets worn down with use)
Microplastics tend to accumulate in the human body, as we have not evolved natural ways to get rid of these types of chemicals and particles. Typical pathways into the human system include the food we eat, bottled water, and microplastic found in dust in the air we breathe. Indeed, it seems like we can hardly avoid it, with some estimates showing the average human ingests between 80,000 and 210,000 microplastic particles per year.
Human reliance on plastic packaging and food processing methods for major food groups such as meats, fruits and veggies is a growing problem. Our research suggests microplastics will continue to be found in the majority—if not all—of items intended for human consumption,” says Cox. “We need to reassess our reliance on synthetic materials and alter how we manage them to change our relationship with plastics. – Dr. Kieran Cox, PhD.
Recent studies are beginning to link microplastic accumulation in the body to a range of health concerns, though the science is still developing. In 2024, researchers found microplastics lodged in human arteries, raising concerns about cardiovascular inflammation and plaque buildup. Other animal studies have shown that microplastics can cause gut microbiome disruption, oxidative stress, and even cell death. While we don’t yet have definitive proof of long-term effects in humans, early evidence suggests these particles could interfere with immune function, reproductive health, and even increase risks of neurodegenerative diseases.
These findings underscore why reducing microplastic exposure isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s rapidly becoming a public health priority.
So, naturally, people are concerned.
The Sweat Myth: Can You Sweat Out Microplastics
Claim #1: Sweating Removes Microplastic Particles from Your Body
Myth.
There is no credible evidence that microplastic particles can be eliminated through sweat. Sweat is mostly made up of water, salt, and small amounts of urea, a waste product. Sweat glands aren’t equipped to move large or solid particles like microplastics out of your body. This idea was introduced by a misunderstanding from some research, which is covered below:
Claim #2: Sweating Helps You Get Rid of Plastic Chemicals (Like BPA or Flame Retardants)
Probably True.
Some chemical additives used in plastics, like BPA (bisphenol A), phthalates, or brominated flame retardants, are small enough to pass through the sweat glands, especially if they’ve entered the bloodstream.
In a few studies, researchers have detected plastic-related chemicals in sweat. This means that some toxins that originally came from plastics might be excreted in small amounts when you sweat, but that’s not the same as removing actual plastic particles. However we cannot claim that all plastic additives, especially larger, more complex ones such as brominated flame retardants, are small enough to “pass through sweat glands from the bloodstream.” That remains unproven in the public, peer-reviewed literature.
Where the Confusion Comes From
This myth persists for a few understandable reasons:
- Misunderstanding detox: People think of sweat as a major “detox pathway.” In truth, your liver and kidneys do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to detoxifying chemicals. This is part of a massive healthcare-product & trend market that pushes the idea of detox which isn’t scientifically backed.
- Misinterpreting science: A few studies have found plastic chemicals in sweat, leading some blogs and wellness gurus to jump to the conclusion that “sweating removes microplastics.” But finding chemicals that come from plastics is not the same as removing plastic particles (which are solids).
- Sweat as a solvent: Interestingly, sweat can act as a solvent that pulls chemicals into the skin. For example, if you have microplastics on your skin from clothing fibers or dust, sweat can leach chemicals from them, making it more likely they absorb through your skin. So sweating may actually increase exposure in certain contexts.
So, What Actually Works to Eliminate Microplastics?
Right now, there is no known way to completely “cleanse” the body of microplastic particles. They’re most often expelled through:
- Digestion and feces: Many ingested microplastics pass through the gut and are eliminated this way.
- Urine: Certain plastic-related chemicals are filtered by the kidneys.
- Time: Some may remain in the body for longer periods, and we still don’t fully understand where they settle or what long-term risks they pose.
This is why prevention is key: reducing your exposure to microplastics in the first place is your best strategy.
What You Can Do
Here are some practical, science-based steps you can take to reduce your microplastic exposure:
- Drink filtered water – Tap water can contain microplastics, especially in areas with aging infrastructure.
- Avoid plastic containers for hot food or drinks – Heat causes plastics to release more chemicals.
- Wear natural fibers – Synthetic fabrics shed microplastic particles, especially when washed.
- Ventilate and clean your home – Household dust is now known to be a major source of microplastic inhalation.
- Avoid plastic & chemically coated cookware – opt for wooden cuttting boards and cooking utensils.
Explore more from Caveat Scientia
The Bottom Line
You cannot sweat out microplastic particles.
While some plastic-derived chemicals may show up in sweat, this is a minor pathway for elimination and not a reliable or effective detox method.
Beware of detox fads that promote saunas, sweat wraps, or hot yoga as a way to “purge plastics.” These may offer health benefits like relaxation, circulation, or cardiovascular improvements, but they are not cleansing your body of microplastics.
Focus on prevention, not pseudo-detox.
References
Genuis, S. J., Beesoon, S., Lobo, R. A., & Birkholz, D. (2012). Human Excretion of Bisphenol A: Blood, Urine, and Sweat (BUS) Study.
Journal of Environmental and Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/185731
→ Found BPA (a plastic additive) in sweat, suggesting sweat may aid in removing some toxins.
Genuis, S. J., Birkholz, D., Rodushkin, I., & Beesoon, S. (2011). Blood, Urine, and Sweat (BUS) Study: Monitoring and Elimination of Bioaccumulated Toxic Elements.
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 61(2), 344–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-010-9611-5
→ Demonstrated that some toxic metals and environmental chemicals can be eliminated in part through sweat.
Braun, T., et al. (2021). Detection of Microplastics in Human Placenta.
Environment International, 146, 106274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274
→ First study to confirm microplastics in human placental tissue.
Leslie, H. A., et al. (2022). Discovery and Quantification of Plastic Particles in Human Blood.
Environment International, 163, 107199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2022.107199
→ Provided evidence that microplastics can enter and circulate within the human bloodstream.
Horvat, M., et al. (2023). Toxicological Risk of Inhaled and Ingested Microplastics in Humans.
Frontiers in Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1131281
→ Reviewed the potential health risks and biological impacts of microplastic accumulation in humans.
Barboza, L. G. A., et al. (2018). Microplastics in Wild Fish from North East Atlantic Ocean: Potential Exposure and Health Impacts.
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 130, 8–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.03.005
→ Explores the implications of microplastic ingestion in marine life and potential transfer to humans through diet.
