I love a good exfoliating scrub as much as the next gal—but did you know that every time you wash your face, you may be pouring plastic down the drain?
Yes, that innocent-looking cleanser may be hiding an environmental hazard—usually touted on the label as “microbeads” or “microspheres” or “microcrystals.” Whatever fancy name they’re given, they’re nothing more than tiny globules of plastic (polyethylene) that give an abrasive texture to soap. And once they’re done polishing our skin, they go right down the drain and into our waterways.
What’s so bad about that? Plenty, according to this article on Slate.com:
1. They’re so tiny, they slip through most sewage treatment systems.
2. They don’t break down. Most plastics don’t biodegrade—so when we use this stuff, we clutter our oceans with plastic that isn’t going away.
3. They attract other chemicals to their surface, thereby concentrating and transporting a variety of toxins.
4. They’re easily ingested by marine animals, harming sealife and potentially working their way up the food chain. I don’t know about you, but I don’t relish the thought of eating a fish that’s been feasting on microbeads.
I first read about this issue a few years ago, and thought for sure these products would soon be banned. To the contrary (and to my great dismay), I’ve seen more on the market than ever. The problem is that the plastic bits are so small, it’s hard for scientists to measure their effects—and therefore hard to persuade legislators to take action. I expected at least to see some public outrage; but given that they’re nearly invisible, I guess they don’t have the shock value of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Nevertheless, what we can’t see can certainly hurt us (as well as a plethora of other organisms). And environmental issues aside, rubbing plastic on my skin is just not altogether appealing. Therefore, microbeads are One Less Thing in my bathroom cabinet. There are plenty of alternative exfoliators on the market, using ground walnuts, seeds, salt, and other natural materials. Back in the day, I used to love The Body Shop’s Japanese Washing Grains (now discontinued); as soon as I’m settled, and own a coffee grinder, I intend to make my own from ground adzuki beans.
Being a minsumer means not only keeping clutter out of your home, but keeping junk out of the environment. So if you’re using any cleansers to slough away dead skin, peruse the ingredients list for polyethylene—maybe you too will decide it’s something you can do without. The best way to send a message to the manufacturers of these products: don’t buy them.
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or subscribing to my RSS feed.}
What wonderful suggestions for alternatives — I love all the minimalist beauty tips! Thank you so much for sharing!
Well for me, brown sugar always made a good scrub. If you want a super black head remover, mix baking soda with lime juice (real juice straight from the fruit) and pat on while it bubbles. The added advantage is the Vitamin C from the lime juice which is very good for the skin. Scrub with brown sugar scrub after (the black heads raise from the pores) and then tone and moisturize!
A few years ago I received a holiday gift pack from Lush. I was horrified to discover that all of the soaps and bath bombs were full of glitter! This purportedly “natural” company had filled it s holiday products with mylar glitter, which stuck painfully to my body and went down the drain. When I complained, staff was shocked that anyone would care. I no longer buuy Lush products, making my own bath bombs and salts.
I’ve been making my own scrubs from sugar, lemon and oil for decades. This is the best.
In reply to Alecta,
Yes, I am afraid that LUSH have been scrubbed off my list, too, mainly for advertising themselves as wholesome and natural when I have found many of their products very questionable indeed!!
Make your own is best!
I do love body scrubs…from Lush and The Body Shop. However I mostly use Paula’s Choice products and her AHA and BHA products for body and face -chemical exfoliants instead of the scrubs…And I love her All Over Hair and Body wash for body and shampooing :)
I just decluttered my bathroom closet after discovering your blog and I got rid of the microbead scrub I had (before I read this!). I usually just mix baking soda in my favorite face lotion. It scrubs and moisturizes so my face is not all flaky when I’m done. It keeps a long time.
This is a wonderful, revolutionary site and I will do everything I can to bring my life into line with this ethos which is utterly beautiful. Sometimes, having experienced poverty, we can become insecure and surround ourselves with things when we get the chance. But wealth is having just enough and being able to live like a butterly. Thanks so much.
nothing wrong with a plain old scrubby cloth
Baking soda is definitely the best exfoliator I’ve ever used. Forget that it’s inexpensive and relatively easy on the environment – I think it works better than any commercial product I’ve tried!
I have very dry, sensitive skin and a dermatologist told me not to wash my face everyday. Since even as a teen I never broke out, I leave my face alone.