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A ban on plastic microbeads has come into force in the UK.

Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic used in cosmetic products such as exfoliating gels, toothpastes and shower gels.

Despite their popularity with beauty fans, the beads have been proven to have a "devastating effect" on the world's oceans and marine life.

As a result, British manufacturers will no longer be allowed to add the miniature pieces of plastic to their products.

Environment Minister Therese Coffey said: "The world’s seas and oceans are some of our most valuable natural assets and I am determined we act now to tackle the plastic that devastates our precious marine life.

"Microbeads are entirely unnecessary when there are so many natural alternatives available, and I am delighted that from today cosmetics manufacturers will no longer be able to add this harmful plastic to their rinse-off products.

"Now we have reached this important milestone, we will explore how we can build on our world-leading ban and tackle other forms of plastic waste."

Andy Bool, head of the Sea Life Trust, told the Standard: “This is a great thing for our seas and wildlife [because they have a] huge negative impact on marine wildlife.

"One of the research projects we funded this year showed that within a few months of hatching the majority of young sea turtles have plastic in their stomachs.

"We really welcome initiatives like this that help to reduce the flow of plastic in to our precious marine environment.”