Natural exfoliators are creating a unique self-care experience for consumers. Since COVID-19, consumers have expanded their skincare rituals at home, experimenting with various exfoliating products including body scrubs and exfoliating toners. Why? Continuous mask-wearing can trap bacteria on the skin, and exfoliating can help unclog congested pores. In addition, with many spas closed, at-home facials have become the new normal (Vogue, 2020).
There are two types of exfoliators - physical and chemical. They both work in slightly different ways. On one hand, physical exfoliation includes bead-like formulas to physically remove dead skin. On the other hand, chemical exfoliators do not have any tiny granules in them, but instead use chemicals that aid in your cell turnover.
Physical Exfoliators
When mixed with water, physical exfoliators form a low-friction scrub with just enough grit to disrupt debris without causing any damage to the skin. This type of exfoliation utilises physical friction, using small particles, for example silica, salt grains, sugar, jojoba beads or nutshell granules to remove dead skin cells.
Polyethylene-Free Exfoliators
From PQ Corporation
In 2018, we witnessed the UK ban of polyethylene beads within Personal Care and Cosmetics products due to their poor biodegradability causing bio-accumulation in lakes, rivers and oceans. As a result of this, and with consumers becoming more educated on ingredient functions and origins, we have seen a shift towards polyethylene replacements. An ideal natural replacement is the SORBOSIL™ range from PQ Corporation.
Advantages of SORBOSIL™ hydrated silica beads for exfoliators include;
- Comparable skin feel to polyethylene beads without adverse environmental impact
- Contain no petrochemical ingredients
- ECOCERT, Halal and Kosher certified
- Available in a wide range of particle sizes to achieve the desired skin feel
- Extensive range of colours. White beads are primarily used to enhance skin feel. For a visual impact, we recommend: Blue, Green, Red, Marine Blue, Navy Blue, Chestnut, Jade, Onyx, Mikado Yellow, Purple, Pink, Red and Orange beads
- Easy to formulate with
- Compatible with all other cosmetic ingredients
Comparative Study
Two recent independent consumer trials (conducted with 246 female consumers aged 18-65) found that hydrated silica offers the same exfoliation benefits as PE beads, and a more effective exfoliant than both cellulose and polylactic acid.
| Ingredient | Description | Suitable for: |
|---|---|---|
| SORBOSIL™ BFG 10 | Small silica granule | non-breakdown | Skin Care, cleansing products and shampoos |
| SORBOSIL™ BFG 50 | Large silica granule | non-breakdown | Skin Care, cleansing products and shampoos |
| SORBOSIL™ BFG 500 | Large silica granule | non-breakdown | Skin Care, cleansing products and shampoos |
| SORBOSIL™ BFG 501 | Large silica granule | Skin Care, cleansing products and shampoos |
| SORBOSIL™ CBT 60 S | Fast breakdown silica granule | Skin Care, cleansing products and shampoos |
