10 exfoliating face cleansers that do not have harmful microbeads

This water-activated powder wash contains a blend of cranberry seeds and rice bran powder to loosen skin cells and sweep away surface debris. There’s also marshmallow extract, green tea, carrot and white willow bark to soothe, protect and calm the skin. It’s also great for travel since the powder formula means you don’t have to contend with liquid restrictions and messy, gloopy spills.

Available from Sephora.

Frank Body is mostly known for its coffee-based body scrubs, but the Original Face Scrub is pretty great too. Made with coffee, bamboo and walnut, this yummy concoction helps fight breakouts and fades scars while giving you an extra dose of energy on busy mornings. 

Available from Sephora.

Made with brown sugar and real strawberry seeds, the Fresh Sugar Face Polish sounds like a real treat. It exfoliates and hydrates the skin instantly reveal softer and smoother skin. Just don’t try to eat it, no matter how scrumptious it smells.

Available from Sephora.

This affordable cleansing gel contains neem, which is commonly used to fight acne and soothe inflammation. Jojoba seed meal helps exfoliate dead skin cells naturally, while holy basil extract kills bacteria and nips infections in the bud. 

Available from Sephora. 

You can always count on a good rose-scented product to lift the spirits, and this sugar scrub from Lancôme is no different. Sugar grains provide natural exfoliation while acacia honey gives your skin an extra burst of moisture. 

Available from Sephora.

Instead of relying on exfoliating bits, this gommage contains enzymes that break down the “glue” holding dead skin cells together. Apply it to dry skin in circular motions and watch as all the gunk on your face gets sloughed off.

Available at Mamonde stores and Sephora.

For something a little more hard-hitting, pick up the Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser. Enriched with 5% glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, avocado oil and gritty mud, this cleanser works hard at detoxifying and getting rid of surface debris without compromising on nourishment and moisture. 

Available from Sephora. 

A gentle and natural face wash, this creamy exfoliating cleanser from Ren is great on sensitive and dry skin. Utilising jojoba wax beads instead of microbeads, the beads first exfoliate by lifting off dead skin cells and pollutants, before the wax beads melt and work to hydrate and plump up the skin. 

Available at Escentials.

Gentle enough for sensitive skin, this exfoliating cleanser removes dead skin cells without abrasion. The cleanser contains a natural anti-aging and nourishing powder formula, free from synthetics and artificial ingredients that promises to  sweep out congested pores and blackheads, reduce inflammation and uneven pigmentation, leaving skin feeling soft.  

Available from Sephora.

This exfoliator from Arcona is chock full of antioxidants with cranberry and raspberry enzymes, meant to unclog and minimise the appearance of pores, protect the skin and reduce free radical damage. 

It has zeolites (a toxin-absorbing mineral) and sucrose to exfoliate and purify the skin as well. We also love the incredibly robust berry scent that lingers after. 

Available from Sephora.