Acure Brightening Scrub

Your face wash may be endangering marine life

Many conventional face washes and scrubs (even some toothpastes!) contain plastic microbeads, which are used to exfoliate skin. The problem is these microbeads are so small that waste treatment plants aren’t able to remove them, and they pass right through filtration systems and right into our waterways. Fish and marine life are attracted to the bright, shiny microbeads and consume them. The UN Environment Programme released a report saying plastic waste causes $13 billion in damage to marine life every year!

It gets worse

Tests have shown that plastics can absorb pollutants (e.g. pesticides and chemical byproducts) from the air and water and transfer them to the animals eating them. These pollutants are endocrine disruptors, which could impact animals’ reproductive cycles. More studies need to be done, but it’s possible that these effects could then make their way back up the food chain.

Illinois is the first state to ban plastic microbeads in cosmetics. As a result products with microbeads can no longer be sold in the state starting at the end of 2019. Major companies like Unilever have responded and says they’re on track to removing microbeads in the US and Canada. Johnson & Johnson will cease use of microbeads by 2017. 

Make a mindful choice

Until then, you can make a mindful choice to avoid microbeads in your products. To soften skin without risking marine life try the following options:

1. Choose a face scrub that uses biodegradable exfoliants. Our favorite is Acure Brightening Facial Scrub that deep cleans and brightens skin with natural exfoliation from the ocean and fair trade certified ingredients—all without parabens, phthalates or plastic microbeads.

2. Use a washcloth or face brush to exfoliate skin.

3. Think outside the bathroom with natural exfoliants found in your pantry! Mixing a bit of sugar, baking soda, sea salt or ground oatmeal with gentle cleansers, yogurt or honey can leave you with a healthy, safe glow.

Take a pledge

Take a pledge to stop purchasing and using products with microbeads and switching to safer skincare that's better for our planet. Click the green button below to show your support!