10 Natural Alternatives to Facial Scrubs Made With Microbeads
Microbead free face scrubs for every budget
Rachael Hamann
By now, most us will have heard about the detrimental impacts of plastic microbeads on the environment.
In this instalment of Luxe to Less, we have found the best natural and organic facial scrubs that do NOT contain microbeads.
WHAT ARE MICROBEADS
Microbeads are tiny balls or pieces of plastic that can often be found in personal hygiene products such as facial and body scrubs, soap, and toothpaste. They’re added to products to add texture or to act as physical exfoliants to help slough away dead skin.
While these little pieces of plastic might be good at removing some unwanted, scaly skin; they’re also great at soaking up all of the toxins in the water they’re floating in.
They’re then washed down into our waterways where they’re inevitably consumed by animals in the food chain and can ultimately end up back on our plates.
No one wants to eat something riddled in tiny pieces of toxin-soaked plastic, right?
Unfortunately, Australia has not officially implemented legislation banning the sale of products containing microbeads like New Zealand, the US, and many European countries have, but many companies and retailers have already enacted self-imposed bans.
There are so many great alternatives, and no-one wants to be scrubbing their face with plastic right?
The only “problem” with natural exfoliators is that they can be slightly harsher so many cannot be used daily. Over-exfoliating can really irritate the skin, so just proceed with a little bit of caution when using natural physical exfoliants. Everyone’s skin is different though, so always do what works for you!
THE LIST
Skim through the list below to find piques your interest, and suits your budget!
1. Andalou Naturals It’s OK to be Sensitive – Konjac Facial Sponge Duo – from $8.95 (2 pack)
While you might not necessarily jump straight to a sponge when thinking of a facial scrub, they’re actually a fantastic alternative! I really love these little guys, start out like a pumice stone until you soak them in water, then become a very gentle exfoliator. You can often find them infused with other beneficial ingredients such as these from Andalou Naturals. The great thing about these little guys is that you can use them by themselves, or with your normal cleanser for a little extra polish. Best of all, when they’ve come to the end of their life, they’re completely biodegradable!
2. Sukin Revitalising Facial Scrub – $10.95 (125ml)
Sukin’s Revitalising Facial Scrub contains Bamboo extract particles and finely ground walnut shells to remove unwanted dirt and impurities, while aloe vera and chamomile help to soothe and refresh the skin. Sukin also has a couple of other facial scrubs available including their Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (contains, kale, spirulina, and parsley), and an oil balancing pore refining facial scrub which contains bamboo charcoal.
3. Flora Remedia Matcha Green Tea Skin Treatment Scrub – $17.99 (150g)
This Flora Remedia scrub (for face and body) contains a beautiful addition of matcha powder to help calm any redness or inflammation. Matcha is also packed with antioxidants which help fight against the harmful effects of free radicles and aids in reversing UV damage.
4. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub – from $19.95 (118ml)
This is a bit of cult favourite within the green beauty community and has also won numerous awards even when up against conventional products! Its packed with beneficial ingredients that help slough away product build-up and dead skin cells while also stimulation new skin cell growth.
5. La Mav Cranberry Bio Exfoliating Scrub – from $29.95 (60ml)
This product is more for combination or oily skin but is a part of La Mav’s Age-Defying Series. Contains cranberry seeds to physically exfoliate, and fruit and lactic acids to “chemically” exfoliate as well.
6. Vanessa Megan Lemon & Rosemary Exfoliating Cleanser – from $54.95 (200ml)
This is a creamy cleanser with the addition of small Jojoba beads to help decongest blocked pores and remove dead skin cells. The gentle formula and handy pump dispenser makes it great for those who feel like their skin needs that little bit of extra stimulation multiple days in the week.
7. Edible Beauty Desert Lime Flawless Micro-Exfoliant – from $52.00 (100ml)
I have used a number of Edible Beauty’s other products but unfortunately not this one. They all smell absolutely heavenly, so I’m sure this Mico-Exfoliant is going to be no exception! Physical exfoliants and natural oils and extracts gently buff away dead skin and hydrate all at the same time.
8. Mukti 2-in-1 Resurfacing Exfoliant – from $69.95 (200ml)
This 2-in-1 physically exfoliates with jojoba beads and bamboo stem particles while also chemically stimulating cellular turnover with bioactive native Australian fruit AHA’s. Perfect for those who want that little extra oomph!
9. Black Chicken Remedies Complexion Polish – from $42.95 (30g)
Cleanse away the day like a Geisha with rice powder and argan shell powder. Also combines powerful Ayurvedic anti-inflammatory ingredients to help tone and refine.
10. May Lindstrom The Clean Dirt – from $103.00 (200ml)
For those that really want to splurge, May Lindstrom is the brand for you. May has carefully selected each and every ingredient in eco-luxe her products and The Clean Dirt is no exception. The powerful blend exfoliates and stimulates for a glowing, silky smooth complexion.
Feature image via May Lindstrom
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