Are You Using Plastic Skincare Products?

The beauty world is shunning man-made ingredients and embracing natural alternatives. Follow suit to reveal clear and healthy skin...

Would you be shocked to discover you might be exfoliating your skin with small plastic beads? As well as being bad for the environment and polluting our seas and marine life, plastic is much less effective at exfoliating your skin than natural alternatives.

Originally introduced into face scrubs after randomly shaped apricot seeds were thought to be tearing healthy skin cells, it has since been discovered that plastic beads will barely remove dead skin cells, let alone deeply cleanse pores or reveal soft and radiant skin..

But, if you feel the differently shaped and rough apricot seeds are too harsh for your complexion, did you know there was a natural alternative that can mimic the plastic beads, but in a much more effective way? Jojoba beads are the secret weapon in all of these natural exfoliators and could transform this step in your beauty routine.

Click through to find your perfect version...

Ren Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, £15

A great, all-round exfoliator that works for any skin type, the Ren Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser uses wax beads made of Jojoba to exfoliate, hydrate and plump the skin. After removing all unsightly dead skin cells, the Jojoba wax dissolves onto the skin to give a burst of moisture, firming and plumping for a healthier complexion.

Natio Detoxifying Face Scrub with Jojoba Beads, £10.40s

A must-have for acne sufferers. The Natio Detoxifying Face Scrub with Jojoba Beads is an antibacterial exfoliator that deeply cleanses the pores for maximum cell renewal. Pores are left clear and fresh, so skin is smooth and, thanks to salicylic acid, tamanu and zinc, free from spots.

Pai Skincare Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator, £20

The perfect exfoliator for anyone who suffers from any form of irritation, such as redness, eczema or acne. The Pai Skincare Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin Brightening Exfoliator is seriously gentle on skin, shunning all harsh ingredients to refine skin's texture and deeply cleanse pores without stripping the skin's healthy cells. High in Omega 3 and 6, plus Vitamins A, D and E, this gel formula will leave skin feeling refreshed and revived.

John Masters Jojoba & Ginseng Exfoliating Face Cleanser, £21

For flaky, dry or mature skin, this daily exfoliating cleanser will correct texture and help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The John Masters Jojoba & Ginseng Exfoliating Face Cleanser uses natural essential oils and plant extracts - including the all-important Jojoba beads - to boost circulation, slough away dead skin cells and purify the skin. Also suitable as a weekly treatment on oily or combination skin.

Burt's Bees Anti-Blemish Pore Refining Scrub, £9.99

If you suffer from problem skin, it can be tempting to apply harsh and heavy products to try and clear your complexion. All you really need is the Burt's Bees Anti-Blemish Pore Refining Scrub to eliminate dead skin cells without drying or irritating the skin. Naturally derived Salicylic Acid helps to prevent further breakouts, while Jojoba beads and a Fruit Acid Complex leave skin super-smooth and clear.

Decleor Double Radiance Scrub, £27.50

We're big fans of the Decleor Double Radiance Scrub. Great for anyone in their 30s and 40s, this multi-grained exfoliator uses Egyptian Luffa fibres, Madagascan Cardamom Seeds and Jojoba beads to eliminate dead skin cells, boost radiance and reveal a soft and velvety texture.

Freshskin By Elemis Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash, £12

Don't skip exfoliation if you have dry skin - opt for the Freshskin By Elemis Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash to soften and hydrate. Jojoba beads and cherry powder gently polish the skin and freshen the pores to revive the skin's texture to improve the overall condition of your complexion.

Aromatherapy Associates Purifying Facial Scrub, £26

Oily skin will benefit from the Aromatherapy Associates Purifying Facial Scrub. Kaolin clay, Jojoba beads and Corn Cob granules gently but effectively remove the build up of dirt deep in the pores. Skin appears more refined, with a smooth surface and minimised pores. Orange Flower Water, Petitgrain and Geranium balance the skin's natural oils to leave skin with a matte texture.