New biodegradable microbeads offer eco-friendly alternative to plastic in skincare products

Researchers have developed new biodegradable microbeads made from a polymer that can replace plastic exfoliants in skincare products. These beads dissolve into sugar-like molecules, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic microbeads. Tests on pig skin showed that the new microbeads effectively removed 74 percent of permanent marker ink when mixed with soap foam, outperforming soap alone. The beads also degraded over 94 percent in boiling water within two hours, confirming their suitability for personal care products. While some countries have banned plastic microbeads, they are still used in certain areas. The introduction of these biodegradable beads could help reduce pollution from microplastics in waterways.