5 Microbead-Free Exfoliants for the Eco-Conscious Skincare Newbie
Iantha Yu is an experienced beauty editor with over ten years of experience in the publishing industry. Her words can be found on Marie Claire, Beauty Crew, Women's Health, Virgin Voyeur, SHOP Til You Drop, Broadsheet, and more.
To achieve smooth, healthy-looking skin that glows, adding an exfoliating scrub to your routine is a great place to start.
Scrubs have gotten a bad rap over the last few years because many of them contain microbeads.
What Are Microbeads and How Are Microbeads Made?
Microbeads are tiny synthetic pearls that are mixed into a cleanser formula.
These usually spherical particles buff away dead skin cells when you rub them over your wet skin.
Microbeads are generally made from plastic, such as polyethylene, polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyethylene terephthalate.
How Long Do Microbeads Last?
Sadly, microbeads last a long time in our environment.
Due to their almost-microscopic size, they wash down the drain and can eventually go on to live in the ocean.
Worst of all, microbeads are eaten by our marine life and sometimes by us in turn, which can harm our health in the long run.
This is where a microbead-free face scrub comes in handy: it does the same job minus the environmental damage.
The Best Face Exfoliators Without Microbeads
1. Aspect Illuminating Polish
What it is: Aspect Illuminating Polish 220ml is another face scrub without microbeads we use on repeat.
Altogether, it’s a powerful scrub that can significantly brighten the appearance of your complexion.
Why it’s so good:
This microbead-free exfoliant works in triplicate:
- Ecoscrub (a physical exfoliant in powder form) buffs the first layer of skin,
- Lactic Acid brightens and smooths the skin without aggravating it, and
- Papaya Extract deals with any dead cells that remain on the skin.
Shop Aspect Illuminating Polish here:
2. innisfree Green Barley Gommage Peeling Mask
What it is: innisfree Green Barley Gommage Peeling Mask 120ml has got to be one of the best K-Beauty exfoliators without microbeads.
Why it’s so good: This natural beauty is boosted with Green Barley Extract, which can gently remove dead skin cells from your face, along with a combination of AHAs and BHAs.
This powerful product can also encourage skin cell turnover and reveal baby-fresh skin more often.
Shop innisfree Green Barley Gommage Peeling Mask here:
3. Clinique For Men Face Scrub
What it is: Now when it comes to the best men’s face scrub without microbeads, we stanClinique For Men Face Scrub
Why it’s so good: Instead of microbeads, this product utilises Salicylic Acid to degunk pores and make skin feel squeaky clean, minus any tight or parched feeling that’s usually associated with scrubbing.
Shop Clinique For Men Face Scrub here:
4. Compagnie De Provence Exfoliating Liquid Marseille Soap
What it is: You guessed it: it’s an exfoliator without microbeads. Compagnie De Provence Exfoliating Liquid Marseille Soap 495ml has got to be one of the best exfoliating body washes without microbeads.
Smooth, glowing skin shouldn’t be reserved for your face; your body can get in on the action too.
Why it’s so good: Ground Olive Seeds are what makes this product so scrubby.
Plus, the formula is cruelty- and paraben-free, and vegan too.
Shop Compagnie De Provence Exfoliating Liquid Marseille Soap here:
5. Eco Tan Organic Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub
What it is: Eco Tan Organic Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub is another one of the best body scrubs without microbeads.
Why it’s so good: Sea Salt is an extremely effective natural particle that does a top job in smoothing skin.
On top of that, the organic Lemongrass and Coconut Oil will temporarily transport you to a tropical island each time you use this natural face and body scrub.
Shop Eco Tan Organic Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub here:
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
For more skincare and exfoliator product recommendations, have a read through the guides below...
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