For years, the most popular exfoliating ingredients were plastic microbeads. Since they were affordable and effective, companies used them in a wide variety of cosmetic and skincare products. In recent years, it’s come to light that microbeads are bad for the environment.
Since they are made of plastic, microbeads are not biodegradable, and since they are often smaller than two millimetres, they aren’t filtered through water treatment systems. The negative impact towards the environment and public health encouraged countries across the world to start banning plastic microbeads from being manufactured and distributed.
But what can cosmetics companies do? There is still a demand for skincare products that exfoliate. Now that consumers are avoiding microbeads and more governments are legally punishing the use, the only thing that producers can do is find effective alternatives.
Pumice Powder
One of the best mechanical exfoliating alternatives to microbeads is pumice powder — these are abrasive crystals made from ground up igneous rock. It’s a time-tested, all-natural ingredient. It appeals to consumers who are searching for cosmetics that are wholesome and eco-friendly.
The ingredient is excellent for tackling rougher skin. It’s buffing powers are perfect in foot scrubs, where the goal is to remove lots of build-up and create a softened surface. It can also be used in face scrubs and washes for people with normal to tougher skin.
You should click here to learn more about the ingredient and how you can acquire this resource for your company’s cosmetic products. An experienced supplier can give you all the information you need, along with exciting alternatives for other items in your formulations.
Jojoba Beads
The Jojoba plant can produce a liquid wax ester, which can be transformed into a microbead. Unlike its plastic counterparts, this wax microbead is biodegradable and environmentally-friendly.
Jojoba beads are not as abrasive as other exfoliating materials like walnut shells, pumice powder, ground seeds or sugars. They are well-suited for products dedicated to sensitive skin or dry skin.
Glycolic Acid
An ingredient like glycolic acid is considered one of the best exfoliating ingredients because it is very effective at penetrating the skin and removing dead cells. It does more than a deep clean — it also promotes new cell generation, meaning faster healing and more collagen and elastin production.
Some consumers will be concerned about a chemical exfoliant over a manual one. However, the concern over it being “unnatural” can be easily dispelled. The ingredient is a derivative of sugarcane. It’s biodegradable, environmentally-friendly and frequently used by dermatologists.
Exfoliation is an important step in a skincare routine. It removes dead cells collecting on the top layer of your skin. By cleaning the dead cells away, users can brighten their complexion and make their skin feel silky smooth. The technique also improves the results of other skincare products, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the surface.
Losing microbeads doesn’t mean that consumers will lose out on exfoliation. With the help of exfoliating alternatives, users will feel happy about the look of their skin and about their conscious decision to buy products that are good for the environment.
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