Back in June, it was announced that microbeads, found in some exfoliators and face wash, are an environmental disaster.
This is no bueno.
As someone who always enjoyed microbeads in her product (e.g. the miniature, colorful balls that hold good ingredients), the news that scientists have recently discovered that these tiny beads don’t decompose and wind up in the Earth’s various waterways, and potentially in the stomachs of adorable wildlife like birds, fish, and other animals is heart-wrenching…and I’m now committed to microbead-free face wash, from here on out. FYI, Illinois was actually the first state to pass a ban on the beads and other states like New York, California and Ohio are trying to pass similar bans.
Even though states are in the process of banning, it will take the current brand makers YEARS to phase out the product but, in the mean time, here are a few of my favorite microbead-free exfoliation products that won’t end up killing off any mermaids or dolphins, I promise. You can totally still slough off dead skin!
1// Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: The cool thing about this product is that you actually combine it with your normal cleanser and you can use as much or as little as you like, depending on your skin type! LOVE this stuff.
2// Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit: I was introduced to Liz Earle at one of my VERY FIRST blogger events back in 2009. The Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth kit is a classic and 100% a must-try.
3// Bliss Micro Magic Spa-Powered Microdermabrasion Treatment: All things Bliss are amazing and, even though other Bliss products do contain microbeads, this product does not…and it still does its Bliss magic.
4// NUANCE Salma Hayek Age Affirm Glycolic Cream Cleanser: You guys know how much I love NUANCE (Salma really thinks through these products) and this glycolic cream cleanser is an amazing cleanser/exfoliator that also helps with anti-aging.
5// Mario Badescu Almond & Honey Non-Abrasive Face Scrub: Perfect for sensitive skin, this almond and honey cleanser not only smells amazing but it also really does slough off dead skin.
6// LUSH Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub: Lush, of course, would have nothing to do with microbeads given their all-natural core; this scrub (good for the face AND body!) is a staple in the Lush line.
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As far as I know, the problem is with plastic microbeads: they are not biodegradable and end up in the stomach of marine animals. There are microbeads made with fruit stones or biodegradable polymers which actually decompose. Besides, a good sugar or salt scrub is very gentle on the environment!
Yep! That’s correct!