Though they certainly look cool (in that sort of mid-'90s Orbitz-the-drink way), those floating beads in your body scrub are actually quite toxic. In fact, the polyethylene beads are actually a type of plastic, and as such, the particles don't entirely break down when they head into the drain, absorbing chemicals in the process. Then, on their way out to sea, they can contaminate the ocean and marine wildlife. (Yeesh. At least Orbitz's version was made out of, like, JELL-O.)
A particular tip of the hat goes to major cosmetic company Unilever — the umbrella corporation that owns Dove, St. Ives, and Alberto VO5 — for immediately phasing out the use of polyethylene scrubbing beads in their products. In fact, Unilever is hoping for one better: The brand hopes to halve the greenhouse gases it emits, and is looking to source 100% of its raw materials locally by the year 2020. The entire move, plus Unilever's future plans, is pretty impressive for a major corporation with serious clout. We'll certainly raise our Orbitz to that. (You Beauty)
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