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Microbeads are making a hasty exit from the beauty scene. After it was confirmed that the pesky plastic beads were causing more harm than good for the environment, the government stepped in and made sure they can no longer be manufactured. It may have taken a few of your favorite products off the shelf, but here are 17 exfoliating alternatives to microbeads you’re sure to love.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 16 Image Credits: Clinique
Exfoliating Scrub
Clinique has always been a beauty standard, but this exfoliator makes getting great skin so much easier. A daily formula, this scrub will leave your skin soft and flake-free.
2 of 16 Image Credits: Origins
GinZing™ Refreshing Scrub Cleanser
If you loved Origins’ Clear Improvement Active Cleansing Charcoal Mask, give this two-in-one cleanser a try. Panax ginseng, coffee beans, jojoba oil, and carnauba wax work together to unclog pores without using microbeads.
3 of 16 Image Credits: Fresh
Umbrian Clay Mattifying Face Exfoliant
Polish away dead skin with this natural exfoliator by Fresh. Formulated with Umbrian clay, natural bamboo, lemon, and chamomile, this scrub is guaranteed to make your skin brighter and more radiant while also controlling shine.
4 of 16 Image Credits: Farmacy Beauty
New Day Gentle Exfoliating Grains
Who needs microbeads when this gentle, natural exfoliator is around? Get clear skin with white willow bark, carrot, green tea, and marshmallow extracts that join forces for a formula that soothes and protects your skin.
5 of 16 Image Credits: Sephora
Ultra Rich Face Scrub with Shea Butter
Instead of artificial microbeads, this scrub sloughs off dead skin with finely ground nutshells for smooth, hydrated skin. Bonus: This scrub is also formulated with shea butter for a luxuriously creamy blend.
6 of 16 Image Credits: Lush Cosmetics
Buffy Body Butter
Shea moisture to the rescue! Specially formulated to hydrate and exfoliate even the toughest skin, this bar is bound to be one of your new favorites. Ground rice, ground almonds, and ground aduki beans are the secret to the exfoliating power of this body butter.
7 of 16 Image Credits: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
Buffing Grains for Face
No need for microbeads when aduki beans are a part of the formula. Bobbi Brown created a luxury exfoliator perfect for achieving smooth, clear skin with a glow you won’t be able to resist.
8 of 16 Image Credits: Sephora
YOUTHMUD™ Tinglexfoliate Treatment
Who knew volcanoes could be good for your skin? This mud mask by GLAMGLOW incorporates French sea clay, volcanic pumice rock, and green tea leaves to create a formula that clears dead skin cells and smooths fine lines for radiant skin in only 10 minutes.
9 of 16 Image Credits: Birchbox
Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant
Skip the facial for one you can do at home. While it’s definitely an investment, this powerful, skin-brightening scrub is enriched with jojoba, aloe vera, and chamomile to soften and soothe dry skin.
10 of 16 Image Credits: Suki Skincare
Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser
Sugar, lemongrass, and chamomile combine for a sweet and zesty exfoliating scrub that buffs away dead skin cells without getting rid of your skin’s natural oils.
11 of 16 Image Credits: Birchbox
Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser
A cult classic, this gentle exfoliator wipes away dirt and grime for radiant skin. Rosemary, chamomile, and eucalyptus along with a hybrid of other skincare ingredients work together for a cleanser that works double duty.
12 of 16 Image Credits: Baxter of California
Exfoliating Body Bar
Pumice, jojoba meal, and crushed olive seed combine with glycerin and natural moisturizers to exfoliate and hydrate at the same time. With refreshing scents of cedarwood and oakmoss, this body bar smells great and gives your skin some much-needed TLC.
13 of 16 Image Credits: Philosophy
Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
Philosophy always has a way of finding its way into your beauty stash. This exfoliating wash is gentle and effective in getting rid of dead skin for smooth, radiant skin.
14 of 16 Image Credits: Not Soap, Radio
The Stuff that Cupid dips his arrows in
While it may be a clever, quirky brand, there’s something special about Not Soap, Radio’s exfoliating body wash. With invigorating scents like blackberry and fresh vanilla cream, this body wash just might have a permanent place in your shower.
15 of 16 Image Credits: Whish Body
Exfoliating Body Wash
Gentle enough to use on your face, this exfoliating body wash hydrates dry skin for a flawless complexion.
16 of 16 Image Credits: Birchbox
Awake & Exfoliate Body Bar
Ground coconut shells, milled lava rock, and plant oils create a powerful exfoliating bar that nourishes your skin so you can use it every day without causing irritation or redness.
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