Microbeads are officially banned in cosmetics from today. Here's what to use instead
A UK-wide ban on the manufacture of cosmetics containing 'microbeads' (tiny pieces of plastic found in face scrubs, toothpastes and shower gels) has come into force today. This landmark step follows new legislation in the US who have also banned the harmful beads, which damage marine life.
"The world’s seas and oceans are some of our most valuable natural assets," environment minister Thérèse Coffey said this morning, "and I am determined we act now to tackle the plastic that devastates our precious marine life.
"Microbeads are entirely unnecessary when there are so many natural alternatives available, and I am delighted that from today cosmetics manufacturers will no longer be able to add this harmful plastic to their rinse-off products."
Today’s announcement comes ahead of the government’s upcoming 25 Year Environment Plan, which will set out how we will be the first generation to create clean, healthy and productive oceans. Here we round-up the best non-plastic face and body scrubs on the market.
Best for... light face exfoliation
Technically a cleanser, the Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream by Trilogy, £25.50, gently sloughs off dead skin cells using naturally exfoliating fruit enzymes. Top tip: slather it on in the morning before your shower and leave it on as a face mask for five minutes before washing off - it makes the skin look immediately brighter.
Best for... deep face exfoliation
These little PHA+ Bio-Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads by Zelens, £65, don't seem like much, but they really do pack a punch. Sweep all over cleansed skin and let the chemical exfoliants do their job. You skin will look immediately smoother and refreshed, and the effects improve over time. Use twice a week - and if you use it in the mornings, always follow with an SPF.
Best for... fake tan prep
The satisfyingly scrubby mix of sugar and salt in Origins' Smoothing Salt Scrub, £25 is the best prep for fake tan. It doesn't leave any sort of oily residue, and doesn't feel scratchy on the skin. The scent of spearmint and orange is pretty delicious, too - we give this natural scrub top marks.
Best for... silky, glowy skin
The Omorovicza Gold Sugar Scrub, £57, is one of the most decadent body scrubs we've tried. The sugar base is very moisturising and leaves the skin silky smooth. It also has flecks of gold in it - we told you it was decadent - which leave a soft, beautiful shimmer on the skin. Great before a night out.
Best for... travel
These handy sachets by Frank Body are great for packing away in your travel kit. We love the Coconut Coffee Scrub, £13.95, with it's natural mix of invigorating coffee and coconut. It's a little messy, but who cares if you're in a hotel shower?
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