Plastic microbeads could soon be beauty history. Earlier this year, president Obama signed a law to completely phase them out in the US, and four major organic brands are calling for a similar measure be put in place in the UK.
Neal’s Yard Remedies, Pai, Green People and Botanical Brands have written an open letter to prime minister David Cameron, calling for the plastic beads to be banned due to the pollution they cause, and a petition by Greenpeace has reached over 32,000 signatures.
Once in the ocean, microbeads can be ingested by fish and can enter the human food chain. As they never dissolve, the tiny pieces of plastic also leave permanent debris in the sea.
Luckily, there are plenty of environment-friendly alternatives. Natural ingredients like coffee grounds, sugar and salt granules have exfoliating properties just as effective (and some even more) than microbeads.
We've rounded up five great plastic-free suggestions, and if you'd like to see microbeads banned in the UK - sign Greenpeace's petition here.
This cult product claims to diminish acne, scars and stretch marks thanks to its high caffeine content, skin-repairing coconut oil and exfoliating jojoba beads.
Limes steeped in vodka, seaweed and lashings of sea salt make up this invigorating scrub. The silky avocado butter also leaves skin soft and conditioned.
Golden sugar, gentle oat grains, banana and honey give this scrub a mouth-watering smell along with eczema-soothing benefits.
Raw coffee grounds and grapefruit oil claim to boost circulation and tighten skin. Leave on for five to 10 minutes for extra effectiveness.
For pre-tan exfoliation, this works a treat. Organic Moroccan argan oil and volcanic lava microparticles leave skin polished, smooth and prepped for self-tan application.