Microplastics once appeared mainly in scrubs, but today they hide in creams and gels as film-formers and texture enhancers. While regulations have curbed plastic beads in many regions, soluble or fragmented plastics still show up under technical names that are easy to miss. Reducing them in your routine is good for waterways and can also improve how skin feels—lighter, cleaner, and less coated. With thoughtful swaps, you can keep gentle exfoliation and silky textures without the environmental trade-offs.
Microplastics once appeared mainly in scrubs, but today they hide in creams and gels as film-formers and texture enhancers. While regulations have curbed plastic beads in many regions, soluble or fragmented plastics still show up under technical names that are easy to miss. Reducing them in your routine is good for waterways and can also improve how skin feels—lighter, cleaner, and less coated. With thoughtful swaps, you can keep gentle exfoliation and silky textures without the environmental trade-offs.
Common ingredients to avoid
Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), nylon-12, and acrylate copolymers listed as microbeads or powders.
Common ingredients to avoid
Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), nylon-12, and acrylate copolymers listed as microbeads or powders.
Fragrance-free skincare means clarity, fewer irritants, reduced risks, and a calmer daily routine overall.
Fragrance-free skincare means clarity, fewer irritants, reduced risks, and a calmer daily routine overall.
Tips for switching
Replace bead scrubs with enzymatic or cellulose-based exfoliants. For silky slip, look for botanical gums, rice powder, or jojoba esters. Check brand sustainability pages for microplastic policies, and prioritize solid formats (bars, concentrates) that naturally minimize plastic additives.
Tips for switching
Replace bead scrubs with enzymatic or cellulose-based exfoliants. For silky slip, look for botanical gums, rice powder, or jojoba esters. Check brand sustainability pages for microplastic policies, and prioritize solid formats (bars, concentrates) that naturally minimize plastic additives.
