The fact that plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats facing the world’s oceans is not news but did you know you may be unwittingly contributing to the problem through micro-plastics? Micro-plastics are tiny particles of plastic found in many household items – particularly beauty products containing microbeads such as scrubs and cleansers – which are washed down the drain and end up in the ocean where they pose a big danger to marine life.
While these microbeads have now been banned in a number of countries, they may still be lurking in some of your favourite beauty products. Scroll down to see our edit of the best natural microbead alternatives that offer all the exfoliating benefits without the guilt…
Clarins Tonic Body Polisher
This effective everyday exfoliator from Clarins replaces microbeads with salt and sugar crystals blended with essential oils of rosemary, rosewood and mint to tone, smooth and leave skin glowing.
Tonic Body Polisher, £33 for 250ml, Clarins
Goldfaden MD Doctor's Scrub
Replacing plastic microbeads with gentle – and far more luxurious – fine ruby crystals, Goldfaden MD’s Doctor’s Scrub contains hyaluronic acid and seaweed extract to leave skin softer, brighter and plumper. The perfect morning wake up.
Doctor’s Scrub, £65 for 100ml, Goldfaden MD at Space. NK.
Acqua di Parma Italian Resort Smoothing Body Scrub
With a delicious Mediterranean-inspired scent and not, but three, microbead alternatives, Acqua di Parma’s Italian Resort scrub is the only exfoliator to have on board. Combining volcanic pumice, jojoba grains and citrus zest with the brand’s Mediterranean Re-Activating Complex, it gently buffs away dead skin to eliminate dullness and dehydration.
Italian Resort Smoothing Body Scrub, £45 for 200ml, Acqua di Parma
Cor Skincare The Silver Soap
If the multitude of high-tech scrubs and creams full of confusing ingredients on offer has you hankering after a good old-fashion bar of soap then Cor Skincare has just the thing. The Silver Soap contains tiny particles of natural active silver, marine collagen and sericin, along with hyaluronic acid, jojoba, aloe and avocado, for an all-in-one bar that leaves skin healthy, moisturised and glowing.
The Silver Soap, $120 for 120g, Cor Skincare
Julisis Salt Crystal Body Peeling Scrub
Containing mineral-rich salt crystals from a unique underground lake to help remove dead skin cells and infused with zinc for cell nutrition, this 100% natural scrub by celebrity facialist Julius Eulberg is the perfect pick-me-up at the end of a long day.
Salt Crystal Body Peeling scrub, €56 for 145ml, Julisis
Elemis Spa Home Body Detox Skin Brush
Forgo exfoliating products entirely with Elemis’ innovative body brush. Made from top quality cactus bristles, use on dry skin before showering to sweep away dead skin cells, reduce cellulite and soften skin without the use of a single chemical or cream.
Home Body Detox Skin Brush, £21, Elemis Spa at Feel Unique