We've Got Bad News About Facial Scrubs

That exfoliating facial scrub may make your skin feel fresh to death, but it's actually not too good for the environment. 

The microscopic plastic beads that are found in beauty scrubs and creams could be banned amid fears of a threat to wildlife and human health.

The beads are commonly used in beauty products as an exfoliant to remove dead skin. They are also a regularly used ingredient in acne treatments and can also be found in toothpastes and some bath products for children.

However, the tiny beads are washed into sewers and are so small that they are not filtered out by treatment centres, which means they escape in to rivers and seas.

Most are made from polyethylene, the same material used to make plastic bags, bullet proof vests and even knee replacements.

Once in the environment they effectively become a magnet for toxins, such as pesticides.

The beads can then be eaten by fish, such as tuna, and then get into supermarkets and from there, dinner plates.

The beads cause such a concern that President Obama implemented a ban in the US in December and other countries, including Australia and India, could well follow suit.

Some beauty giants have made the decision to remove the beads from their own brand products on their own accord. 

Source