The 10 best microbead-free scrubs and exfoliants
You know those tiny microbeads found in your toothpaste, lipsticks and exfoliating cleansers? Well, don't let their innocuous name fool you: those plastic pellets may leave your face smooth and squeaky-clean, but they're absolutely terrible for the environment. According to new research, the small size of the beads allows them to bypass our water-filtration systems. As such, they're not only polluting our rivers and lakes, but also becoming food for unsuspecting fish. Just last week, the federal government announced that it plans to ban products containing microbeads. Below, you'll find effective, microbead-free exfoliators that'll refine your pores and alleviate your environmental guilt. Social responsibility starts with your face, after all.
Scrubs and Exfoliators
New and improved
You will love: The thick and creamy texture. It's great for sensitive skin, too. Exfoliant: Jojoba nut beads. Pureté Thermal Skin Renewing Creamy Scrub, $20, Vichy.
Best for body
You will love: The tag team of moisturizer and exfoliator as well as its smart time-release formula. Exfoliant: Glycolic acid. Skin Smoothing Body Lotion, $36, Reversa.
Beautifying bar
You will love: How it foams up to cleanse, brighten and exfolate your skin. Plus, it smells amazing! Exfoliant: Jojoba nut beads. Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar, $10, Bioré.
Lip fix
You will love: The all-natural formula and the sweet cherry flavour. Exfoliant: Carnuba wax, beeswax and jojoba nut beads. Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub, $21, Bite Beauty.
Daily dose
You will love: The non-scented, pre-measured applicator wipes. These little miracle-workers perfectly smooth and brighten every time. Exfoliant: Alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Daily Resurfacer, $97, Dermalogica.
Eco exfoliator
You will love: How the ultra-gentle gel transforms into a milky cleanser that de-flakes and polishes your skin in seconds. Exfoliant: Jojoba nut beads. Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator, $40, Pai.
Botanical brightener
You will love: How bright and even your skin looks after just one use. Plus, the pre-measured powder formula is fun to use. Exfoliant: Papaya enzymes. Treatment Enzyme Peel, $72, AmorePacific.
Wipe and go
You will love: Cleansing and exfolating anytime, anywhere. Exfoliant: Willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid). Peach & Willow Bark Exfoliating Facial Cleansing Towelettes, $10, Burt's Bees.
Sweet shower treat
You will love: How lovely it is to buff and polish your bod with this all natural, moisturizing blend. Exfoliant: Brown sugar. Brown Sugar Body Polish, $76, Fresh.
Hi-tech
You will love: How the intuitive brush automatically adjusts between gentle and deep cleansing as needed. Exfoliant: Dynamic brush bristles. Smart Profile Sonic Cleansing System, $299, Clarisonic.
The upsides of exfoliating
It’s the best prep there is.
There is no easier way to refresh skin than by exfoliating. You will instantly notice the texture of your skin is smoother and softer and that it's better able to absorb moisturizer and sunscreen as well as anti-aging, acne and dark-spot correcting creams.
It shows off your new cells.
Your skin sheds thousands of cells per day but not at the same time. Scrubs help you control the removal of dead skin and expose fresh, plump and healthy cells that will make your skin look glowing.
It accelerates cell renewal.
It’s like skincare karma: good begets good. By scrubbing away dead skin, you are actually promoting new growth and increasing the rate at which your skin replenishes itself.
It will make your skincare products work better and last longer.
Think about it: If you’re carrying around a dead layer of skin, those cells are going to absorb a whack of the products you're applying, just to fall off by the end of the day. They will also make it harder for creams and sun blocks to penetrate in and reach your healthy skin.
Related: 5 ways to minimize dark spots and boost your skin’s radiance 5 refreshing beauty products for tired faces The best body creams for glowing summer skin
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