You’ve probably unknowingly used an exfoliator with microbeads in it - and whilst that clean face (or body) feeling is refreshing and leaves your skin feeling baby soft, this doesn’t mean we need to harm our environment in the process! Let’s be more diligent about the ingredients IN our exfoliators and prevent waterway, ocean, marine life damage as well as ensuring our OWN bodies are healthier.
What are microbeads?
Microbeads (just like sugar) seem to lurk everywhere! From face scrubs to toothpastes, shampoos and even cleaning products. They’re made from polyethylene – aka PLASTIC! Only millimetres in size, these tiny, often pretty looking beads that come in different colours, are designed to provide that physical exfoliation we all love - however this also means they’re easily washed down the sink.
Why are microbeads bad for the environment?
If you think about the millions of beauty and household products available around the world, plus the millions of people using them and washing them down the sink every day, this might start to conjure up an image of our microbead-infested waterways and estuaries.
In addition, microbeads can resemble fish eggs which means that they can be mistaken as food to fish and other marine species, who are then at risk of ingesting the beads. Microbeads, being plastic, can absorb external toxins which is not only a massive concern for the health of our marine life, but for humans who then go on to consume these fish. The toxin-laden fish mean that humans will also be consuming these toxins!
Alternative exfoliating ingredients to microbeads
Nature is where organic skincare company, Botani turns to. Created by a naturopath with experience in treating skin conditions such as eczema, acne and dry skin, Botani’s naturopath Barbara Filokoastas looks to the plant world for everything it needs to heal, protect and nourish the skin. Natural exfoliants are better for our skin, the environment, and the health of animals as well as humans” Barbara explains. “I use exfoliants from the botanical world, including jojoba spheres, sea salt, rice flour, oat bran, papaya, quandong and coconut in our organic skincare products”.
What can you do to protect our environment and health from microbeads?
Choose only natural skincare and organic skincare that have natural exfoliating ingredients! We love the Botani Exfoliating 2 in 1 Scrub & Mask with hydrating Jojoba Spheres and Oat Bran as natural exfoliants. The unique 2 in 1 product can be used as a scrub, mask and cleanser and also includes oat bran, papaya rice flour to gently exfoliate leaving you with smooth, soft, glowing skin. The added Quandong (an Aussie native) has natural AHA properties which act to unglue dead skin cells on the epidermis. For the body, try detoxifying Spirulina Salt Scrub with purifying and exfoliating Spirulina and Sea Salt to gently remove dry, scaly skin, unclogging pores and stimulating blood circulation. Also contains antibacterial Australian Lemon Myrtle to help with body acne, ingrown hairs and dry skin - and of course is microbead-free!
So next time you’re enjoying a good face or body scrub make sure you check the ingredients to see if any plastic derivatives are hiding inside - ultimately, is your exfoliator is saving our environment or harming it!?
This guest post was written for MyDeal by Sandra La Scala from Botani Skincare.
