Microplastics Are Banned. Now What? 🌊
remember when face scrubs had tiny plastic beads in them? that's actually illegal now in a bunch of countries (US, UK, Canada, EU members…)
🌰 crushed fruit kernels — cheap, but the edges are irregular and can create micro-tears in skin. also the particle size is all over the place
🍍 enzyme exfoliants (papain, bromelain) — gentle, but finicky to formulate and doesn't work for every skin type
🧽 sponge spicules — the new kid. microscopic needle-shaped structures from freshwater sponges that create tiny channels in skin to boost absorption. physical exfoliation + delivery system in one ingredient
the last one is why formulators are actually excited
most exfoliants do one thing. sponge spicules do two: they exfoliate AND they make the rest of your serum work better
if you're formulating with this:
look for spicule breakage rate <10% (lower = better quality)
check for FDA/ISO certifications if you're selling globally
99% grade = high-end daily care; 70% grade = professional/medical spa use
Sunshine Extract's breakdown of the two grades is actually a really clear reference even if you source elsewhere
curious — has anyone here actually tried a sponge spicule product? does it feel different from a regular scrub? 👇
