Don't Panic — These Scrubs Are Completely Sans Microbeads

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

Take a closer look at your facial or body scrub. Does it contain microbeads? Microbeads are those teeny tiny nubs found in your exfoliants to help slough off dead skin. Although plenty of dermatologists shun microbeads because they're abrasive and can tear skin, they tend to pop up in a lot of formulas — especially ones that don't cost as much (sorry, penny pinchers). Not only are microbeads bad for your skin, but they are typically made of plastic that wind up in lakes and oceans once you rinse them off your face. This is a huge problem when you consider the fact that fish may eat them, and then you may eat that fish. Bad situation.

The good news is that President Barack Obama recently signed a bill into law banning the tiny particles from personal care products. To clarify, this now means that any plastic fragments less than five millimeters inside intended for use as an exfoliant will no longer be legal. This is great news for the environment!

So, whether your favorite exfoliant may be losing its microbeads or you're looking to go green with your skin care regimen, we're here to help. We've rounded up our top scrubs that use natural ingredients, like salt, sugar, fruit acids, and crushed walnut pieces (nut allergies beware), to revive your skin. And if you aren't sure whether your scrub contains microbeads, check the ingredients for "polyethylene." If it's in there, that means the beads are, too. The more you know . . .

Origins Never a Dull Moment Face Polisher

Origins Never a Dull Moment Face Polisher

Instead of environmentally unfriendly microbeads, Origins Never a Dull Moment Face Polisher ($27) uses finely ground apricot seeds, mango seeds, and papaya extract to slough off dead skin.

Palmer's Gentle Exfoliating Scrub

Palmer's Gentle Exfoliating Scrub

This old standby scrub ($9) from Palmer's relies on crushed cocoa beans to the smooth skin's surface.

Alba Natural AcneDote Scrub

Alba Natural AcneDote Scrub

Here's your one-stop shop scrub: Alba Natural AcneDote Face and Body Scrub ($7) is formulated for both your face and your bod. Plus, it contains salicylic acid and ground walnut shells to tackle dirt and oil.

BareMinerals Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser

BareMinerals Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser

Instead of a typical scrub, BareMinerals Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser ($26) is a water-activated powder that helps unclog pores.

Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream

Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream

If your skin has been totally ravaged by those mean microbeads, try Caudalie's Gentle Buffing Cream ($35). The cream-based formula will offer salvation.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

The fruit enzymes in Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate ($85) provide a chemical exfoliation instead of a physical one.

Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

Instead of microbeads, Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder ($65) uses a hybrid of chemical and physical exfoliants. Rice bran buffs away dry, dull skin, while papaya enzymes give your complexion a radiant glow.

Mario Badescu Almond and Honey Scrub

Mario Badescu Almond and Honey Scrub

Ground almonds and cornmeal are the exfoliants in Mario Badescu Almond and Honey Face Scrub ($15). And no, you can't eat this for breakfast.

Veria ID Clear the Surface Exfoliant

Veria ID Clear the Surface Exfoliant

Calling all vegans! Walnut shell powder, papaya, and pineapple extracts make Veria ID Clear the Surface Gentle Exfoliant ($14) an organic exfoliant.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

Tata Harper is known for her all-natural ingredients, so we weren't surprised that her Regenerating Cleanser ($75) is made with apricot seed powder and willow bark extracts.

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub

Not only is Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub ($10) chock-full of Vitamin C, it uses fruit extracts to get rid of dead skin buildup.

Nuance Age Affirm Glycolic Cream Cleanser

Nuance Age Affirm Glycolic Cream Cleanser

Sure, Salma Hayek's Nuance Age Affirm Glycolic Cream Cleanser ($14) technically has microbeads, but they're safe, approved, and made from plant sugars.