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.}
I totally agree. I shudder to think of what we could happily rubbing into our bodies as well down our drains. Now I am a convert to a nice warm flannel to gently cleanse and a home made oat scrub to exfoliate. And lovely rose hip oil to moisturise. We don’t have control of alot of things in our environment so I figure I might as well take control over the small areas that are within my reach.
I find sugar, mixed in conditioner, makes a good facial exfoliant. Just rub on gently, and by the time the sugar dissolves your face is scrubbed enough, so rinse away any leftovers. I tend to take those serving packets of sugar that I pick up from the canteen at work into the shower with me, but a teaspoon of sugar from a larger package would work as well.
I agree absolutely! You might want to try Lush’s ‘Herbalism’ facial cleanser, which is based on ground almonds and other natural ingredients.
I also do the hot washcloth method! I use the Liz Earle cleanse and polish cleanser – rub that on, lay the washcloth over and steam for a bit, and then use it to rub the cleanser off. My face has never been smoother. You could pretty much do this with any cleanser too.
Depending on the skin, I often use smooth almond butter or a little baking soda to exfoliate. The almond butter does a great job on my face, and baking soda does wonders on dry skin in the winter!
Maybe a good rule of thumb is to not use anything on your body that you wouldn’t put in your mouth…
hi A…
I really like this and totally agree…
“Maybe a good rule of thumb is to not use anything on your body that you wouldn’t put in your mouth…”
I love the sound of almond butter and baking soda :) I will have to give that a try.
Love this!
That’s pretty much the entire reason I read Crunchy Betty’s blog. She’s where I first discovered using baking soda as an exfoliant, and it works so much better than anything I used to use before.
I don’t use the microbead scrubs. I stick to sugar, salt, and other natural ingredients, but it never occurred to me that these products were filled with plastic. It’s rather sad to think of those tiny plastic beads permanently affecting our water ways. Thanks for getting the word out.
I really like this post, and not just for its environmental message. I am a civil engineer with a focus on sewer system design. Everyone should be a little more aware of what they are pouring down their drains. Grease and (phospherous based) cleaners are probably two of the more difficult components that residential systems deal with. And I can say for a fact, that microbeads aren’t even a consideration in design or operation. If they are bouyant in the water, I am sure they pass right through the plant.
Wow, this is so good to know. Until I know, I can’t change it! Your label above looks a lot like mine…which I will stop using right now. Thanks to all the ladies above for your safe suggestions. And Amanda for additional info. I appreciate learning about these kinds of things from people “in the field”!
A good organic soap with oatmeal works wonders, olive oil- just a bit will do works wonders for dry skin, also organic soap with seaweed is a good exfoliator
This is what I use, with a good slightly-rough-textured washcloth. Scrubs me down great (face or body), and no need for separate face and body cleansers.
And here I thought microbeads were actual beads, or silk bubbles, or something luxurious.
I have to give props to the marketing department. They can make tiny plastic balls sound so extravagant.
Hey Francine,
I haven’t used anything with microbeads but now I know to stay away! I wonder if it’s similar to nanotechnology. I remember reading about that a while back where they were making super-small ingredients for personal care products (and other items) so they would absorb better. It scared me at the time.
Also, thanks for highlighting the great garbage patch. I remember a few years ago when I wrote a piece for a co-op newsletter about it. I couldn’t believe how extensive the island of garbage was, and how the governments were simply turning a blind eye to it, similar to the dead zones now found in oceans as well. It’s pretty scary stuff!
Sugar, as some people have said, is a great exfoliator. In December I bought a Clarisonic Plus, which is frankly, my bid for cutting down. First, I can use it with any cleanser, meaning I don’t need to buy expensive scrubs or soaps. Second, since it recharges, it doesn’t use batteries, just enough electricity to keep it charged–which is a few hours of plug-in lasting about 4-6 days. Third, nothing gets thrown away, and it is easy to pack and carry with me–no extra bottles, product, scent, chemicals in the drains or trash. I can use it on my entire body (that’s the “Plus”) so with my body-wash-shampoo and face cleaner, I am reayd to go all over. While it is an initial investment, it is saving loads in terms of environmental and chemical/drain mess. Love it!
brown sugar mixed with honey and a little water works as another great and natural facial exfoliate – I use it on elbows and knees too.
I have used water, and only water, on my face because of allergies. That’s 41 years and counting of using only water and a wash rag. Water works just fine. The rest of it isn’t at all minimalist.
I adore using good ‘ole baking soda straight out of the box mixed with a bit of water. Works perfektly as a gentle facial exfoliator! Then I can rub the sink basin down with the bit of extra baking soda and clean that, too.
Ditto and ditto!
wow. Thanks for the eye-opener. I had no idea!
I’m with Jude. For 64 years and counting I’ve rarely used anything but water and a wash cloth on my face and I still get compliments on my skin. I suspect genetics play a part in that but so does my lack of use of cosmetics than need special products to remove them. Simplifying makeup is one step I found it easy to take in my journey to minimalism.
I’m in my early 20’s and use water most of the time now. I only have a few extra breakouts per month, if at all. I shower every other day and then use a little soap on a washcloth to clean my face. But I love being able to just splash water on my face in the morning and evening and go! However, even with just water and gently drying my face I have to use lotion because my skin is dry. I’m pretty sure my old facial cleaner had those beads in it. After reading Slow Death by Rubber Duck and a few other books about the chemicals, allergens, and hormone mimickers we expose ourselves to, I phased out or got rid of a whole bunch of body care products.
Thank you for this post!!! I stumbled onto the minimalist path because I became an environmentalist and found “stuff” to be a major problem. I love how minimalism and caring for the environment go hand in hand, it makes so much sense!!! Mother nature was not messing around!! What keeps us calm and simple (minimalism) is also good for the planet!!
I find that friends are super protective over their products and it’s so hard to see lover ones rubbing chemicals and what not onto themselves and then washing it down into our precious water ways. Your post gives me hope!!!!
Much love
I use Dermalogica Microfoliant. It says it is all natural and rice-based. I hope so.
I’ve also read that the particles are so small that you may tend to breathe them in. Plastic in the lungs. Hmmm.
I don’t use these scrubs, but this is yet another excellent reason not to! It’s cheaper and better to use salt, sugar, baking soda, or a wash cloth. Or do even better with BHAs and AHAs. Larger bits like ground nuts and pits are not a good idea for the face. I personally use a BHA from Paula’s Choice and it’s fantastic. Faces don’t need to be scrubbed, but I see the appeal of scrubbing tough skin on feet!
I used to use baking soda mixed with Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap every few days to exfoliate. Eventually, I found soaps to be too drying on my face (stripping all my natural oils) which only caused me to use extra products to take care of the drying. Now I’ve simplified my routine to simple water as a light rinse and facial oils (coconut and argan oil). That’s it. Everyone now and then in the shower, I’ll run my rag over my face.
I had no idea these products had plastic in them! I don’t use them anyway (I use regular old soap and a washcloth), but that makes me sad. If I have to exfoliate beyond what the washcloth can do, I think from now on I’ll look up a recipe that has natural stuff in it (like sugar or whatever).
Thanks for sharing this information!!!
Francine, thank you so much for this post. Unfortunately I won’t be able to give my microbead exfoliant as I have psoriasis and it’s the only cleanser/exfoliator that seems to keep it under control. I’m all for the environment but when my face is itching/scaling so bad that it bleeds, I prefer to be a tad selfish. I’m not necessarily proud of this either. :( I use the exfoliant three times a week. I used to use brown sugar prior to developing psoriasis and it worked a treat. Now it doesn’t seem to work at all.
Does anyone have any products (natural, food type products or even manufactured) that work for psoriasis and don’t contain microbeads? Thanks.
I was using a cleanser with microbeads, but when I found out what was going down my drain I felt so guilty. Now I stick to Dr. Bronner’s and a gentle rub with my sea sponge every couple days.
I too use a wet washcloth. Works like a charm.
Great to raise awareness on this subject! I mostly just use water and a washcloth, sometimes I add a little Dr Bronner’s if my skin seems a bit oily.
Another product that is natural and that I used to love was The Body Shop’s Japanese Washing Grains, but they no longer stock these. They were made from azuki beans and I recently found a link to someone grinding their own beans in a coffee grinder and using that with great success!
If anyone is interested: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1824561/diy_japanese_washing_grains_for_the.html?cat=69
(Oops, I just realized you mentioned the Japanese Washing Grains already – missed that!)
there is NOTHING as wonderful as Dr Bronners peppermint liquid soap. talk about baby skin! … and so safe you can brush your teeth with it. (but i don’t)
seriously… in one week or less, you should see a difference in your skin. you’ll feel a difference from the first washing. a bit of natural sponge for those days you want to exfoliate… but using his soap, you probably won’t have to!
I had no idea! Thanks for writing this post. I don’t use scrubs any longer, because I’m trying to cut down my toiletries as much as possible but just in case I became tempted again. I agree with the other commenters who like to use sugar and salt, but I find them too abrasive for a my face. I use them for the body and make my own face scrub out of ground oat flakes and full-fat powdered milk. I then drizzle this powder with water to make a paste and use it to wash my face. Works wonders!
I have worked in the cosmetics industry, more on the anti-aging skin care side. I had no idea about the microbeads being plastic! Some of the natural things like crushed nuts, can be too abrasive. What is recommended to gently exfoliate is to use a product with AHA or glycolic acids. These are natural fruit acids that can gently resurface and fight the effects of aging and damage we may have done in the past!
Bernice
My microbead scrub also contains Glycolic acid and I agree that it works superbly well. Hmmm, I wonder if this is what is keeping the psoriasis under control and not the microbeads themselves..
Wow! Thank you for sharing this, Francine ~ never would have guessed that microbeads could be harmful to our environment. I second J’s comment: using raw sugar as a gentle scrub works wonderfully!
I used to work for a high-priced department store cosmetics line back in the ’80s. Exfoliation was the coming thing back then, and one of the most popular products in our line for oilier skin was a shaker of “cleansing grains.” What was in the shaker was plain ol’ cornmeal, but boy, the packaging was pretty:)!
Or we could just choose not to scrub – sorry, ‘exfoliate’ – our faces…..
I thought about this all day yesterday after I first read it. To take the issue a step further, does anyone know what is in the mix of the garden soils that are made to retain water longer? I think I read that they are a polymer, but isn’t that just another name for plastic? What happens to those beads as we amend our gardens with them and use them for our potted plants? I hope I am wrong in my thinking and that they are harmless, but would appreciate if anyone may know more. I am going to look into it myself, but it may give you the start for another blog post.
By the way, I scrub my face every morning with baking soda and honey. The honey is a great moisturizer and the combo makes my face so soft!
– Michelle Marie
I don’t know about polymers in garden soil, but I know polymers occur naturally, too – nuclear acids and proteins are polymers, for example. So it’s not necessarily a kind of plastic. I’d love to know if the ones in garden soil are natural or not, though!
Thanks for sharing…this had never occurred to me. Luckily there are tons of cleansers without microbeads, and those are the ones I’ll be buying in the future.
did this whole eco-thing back in university. so, 1994. started using all natural cleansers on body, hair, cleaning the house, etc. Now, i have one all soap that i use all purpose — and that includes everything from washing the shower to body wash. Of course, I don’t use body wash on my body because washing with soap actually harms the skin.
i also use it as shampoo, and I don’t use conditioner. I do use coconut oil on my hair occasionally, and of course on my skin. all good stuff. :)
seriously, it’s good for body and the environment. I also have refillable bottles that I take to the shop where i get this liquid soap for all uses. i get new jars of coconut oil because i love those coconut jars. but once i have enough jars, i’ll probably switch to getting it in bulk too. just like my olive oil, vinegar, etc.
yeah. :D
oh, and michelle marie — i do no think they are harmless. this is why my little potted garden is organic. I’m working on biodynamic (which is a whole other thing), btu it takes a fair few years to get there. I’m also starting a worm bin.
people love those polymers for container gardens, but i think it’s bunk. :D
Mmm, thank for this. I use just water and the occassional bit of baking soda to clean my face but I like being aware of unenvironmentally friendly products that I can discuss with the people less keen on looking into such things … whew ramble … anyway good post and lovley blog!
I always loved the Japanese Washing Grains, too, though I used to wonder why it cost $5 for a tiny container of ground-up beans. I’ve always meant to make my own!
Baking soda alone works wonderfully, or mixed with a mild cleanser, like Cetaphil. Another great option is rice bran. Put it in a muslin bag, place it under the water and squeeze until a milky fluid comes out. Massage face gently with the bag, and rinse or not as you choose. Squeeze excess water from bag and hang to dry. Every two or three days, empty out the bran and use on your face as a gentle scrub. Then start again with a bag of fresh bran (keep bran in the fridge so it doesn’t spoil).
I can’t use anything abrasive on my face, so for exfoliating I use the 15% AHA Lotion by Louise Bianco (available on-line from her salon in California). It contains only Glycolic Acid and Aloe and one bottle lasts about two years because you use only a drop or two. Since I started using this in the mid-90s, I have not a a single bump or blackhead. I went for a facial once at Bliss Spa and the esthetician told me I had the cleanest skin she ever saw.
I use baking soda to exfoliate a few times a week. It’s really amazing – works better than microbeads did (back before I knew how icky microbeads are).
I like the scrubs that use nut shells… they are much more aggressive on skin, but there is none of the environmental ouch.
I use a simple, homemade scrub made from regular white sugar, lemon juice and a drop of extra virgin olive oil. I make one batch at a time and vary it according to whatever ‘mood’ my skin is in that day (it ranges from extremely dry and flaky to oily breakouts). I use either my hands in the shower, or a cotton ball over the sink, and after a good scrubbing my skin is perfectly smooth, hydrated and glowing. No fish are harmed in the making.
This sucks- I went and checked my Oil of Olay Regenerist cleanser, which didn’t promote any kind of microbeads, but upon closer inspection of the ingredient list found polyethylene listed:( I’ll have to find something different once this runs out!
This was mentioned above, but just plain baking soda + a little water. I used to search for salt scrubs with the least offensive odor, but with baking soda there are no smells to deal with.
I got rid of all scrubs with microbeads in them a few years age when I discovered the VIC cloth. It is like a washcloth, but it is some special cloth that was made in England during one of the wars and used to speed healing of wounds. It is fantastic for exfoliating your whole body and was the only thing I found that got rid of the little bumps on the back of my arms. It leaves my skin softer than any other exfoliant I used in the past. I love it so much I am constantly getting more to give as gifts.
Forgot to mention that I use the VIC cloth on my face several times a week with a natural soap and it has definitely reduced the wrinkles and my face is super soft.
After years cursed with blemishes and trying just about any product range I could get my hands on, I worked out through trial-and-error that the less I did to my skin the more comfortable and blemish-free it became. Late forties now, washing with ordinary soap and washcloth in morning, water splash before bed at night, no creams other than hand-cream and regularly get mistaken for a decade younger (and people seem LIVID when they realise so I think their remarks are genuine rather than flattery ;) ) Of course, not wearing makeup means I don’t have to engage with powerful cleansers and is one more layer of clutter out of my life and out of the environment. Lots of women have found that going away from “products” has improved their skin and I would encourage anyone considering simplifying their regime to give it a go – you may well be pleasantly surprised. I did already know about microbeads and agree with you that it’s a shocking thing to be allowed into the environment. Thank you for publicising this issue on your blog.