NSW EPA Bans 9 Beauty Products for Microbeads — Full List & What It Means for Clean Skincare (2025)
NSW has directed six businesses to pull nine rinse-off beauty products from sale after testing found banned plastic microbeads in their formulas. Microbeads—solid plastic particles used to add “scrub” to exfoliants—are prohibited in NSW under the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act (2021) for rinse-off personal-care items. This action highlights a patchwork across Australia: NSW, ACT, WA and QLD enforce microbead bans, while other states lag. For shoppers and brands, the signal is clear: plastic particles—bioplastics included—don’t belong on skin or in waterways. Below, we list the affected products, explain what counts as a microbead (hint: PLA and cellulose acetate still count), map state rules, and share how to choose effective, microbead-free exfoliants (think jojoba esters, bamboo, fruit enzymes). Clean formulations aren’t just better for oceans; they build trust and long-term customer value.
References & Sources: All studies and regulatory documents cited in this post are listed in the Sources box at the end of the article.
The nine products NSW ordered off shelves
NSW EPA issued formal compliance notices after testing identified microbeads in these rinse-off scrubs and exfoliants. Penalties for non-compliance can reach $550,000 plus $55,000 per day for continuing offences.
| # | Brand / Company | Product | Category | NSW Status | Other States |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aesthetics Skincare | Bio Fermented Triple Action Scrub | Exfoliating scrub | Removed | Unclear |
| 2 | Coles (KOi for Men) | Cleansing Face Scrub – Desert Lime | Face scrub | Removed | Previously national |
| 3 | Frostbland (Alya Skin) | Pomegranate Facial Scrub | Exfoliating scrub | Removed | Listed outside NSW |
| 4 | Frostbland (Alya Skin) | Exfoliating Sorbet | Body scrub | Removed | Listed outside NSW |
| 5 | JMSR (Jan Marini) | Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub | Body scrub | Unavailable in NSW | Sold elsewhere |
| 6 | JMSR (Jan Marini) | Cranberry Orange Exfoliator | Face scrub | Removed | Sold elsewhere |
| 7 | McPherson’s | Dr LeWinn’s Essentials Gentle Exfoliant Weekly Facial Polishing Gel | Face scrub | Removed | Unclear |
| 8 | Natio | Purifying Face Scrub for Men | Face scrub | Removed | Other states |
| 9 | Natio | Ageless Skin Renewal Exfoliator | Face scrub | Removed | Other states |
What counts as a “microbead” (and why bioplastics still qualify)
Microbeads are small, solid plastic particles used to increase abrasiveness in rinse-off products. Under NSW law, plastics include bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and cellulose acetate if they do not fully and rapidly biodegrade in real-world conditions. Wastewater plants can’t reliably capture micro-sized particles; they persist, accumulate contaminants, and enter food chains.
Which states ban microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics?
| Jurisdiction | Status (rinse-off personal care) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Ban in force | Plastic Reduction & Circular Economy Act 2021; enforcement by NSW EPA |
| ACT | Ban in force | Mirror restrictions adopted after NSW |
| WA | Ban in force | State plastics regulations |
| QLD | Ban in force | Part of QLD single-use plastics program |
| VIC / SA / TAS / NT | Partial/Not aligned | Some products may remain available; check local rules |
Audit checklist for brands & retailers
- Filter your catalogue for rinse-off scrubs/washes; review INCI for plastic particles (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, PMMA, PLA, cellulose acetate).
- Tag any risk SKUs (Shopify) — e.g.,
microbead-audit,rinse-off,nsw-ban-risk— and create views to track compliance. - Request supplier confirmation of microbead-free status (and batch cutoff dates for any reformulations).
- Where required, restrict shipping to NSW for any non-compliant residual stock until resolved.
- Update PDP copy with “Microbead-free” where accurate; avoid greenwashing—substantiate with ingredient lists.
Our stance and how to shop microbead-free
We do not list rinse-off products with plastic microbeads. Prefer natural abrasives (jojoba esters, bamboo, coffee), fruit enzymes (papain, bromelain), or AHA/BHA blends formulated for skin barrier respect.
Shop microbead-free exfoliants
Frequently asked questions
Are microbeads banned everywhere in Australia?
No. NSW, ACT, WA and QLD ban plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal-care products. Other states are not fully aligned, so some items are still sold interstate.
Do bioplastics like PLA count as microbeads?
Yes, if they are solid particles in rinse-off products and don’t fully biodegrade in real-world conditions. NSW treats PLA and cellulose acetate as plastics.
How can I tell if a scrub contains microbeads?
Check INCI for terms like polyethylene, polypropylene, PMMA, PLA, cellulose acetate, “microspheres”, “microbeads”. If unsure, ask the brand for confirmation.
Are leave-on products affected by this ban?
The enforcement targets rinse-off personal-care items. Leave-on products aren’t the focus, but brands are moving away from plastic particles altogether.
What are good microbead-free alternatives?
Jojoba ester beads, bamboo powder, finely milled oats, coffee, fruit enzymes (papain/bromelain), and dermatology-guided chemical exfoliants.
Will NSW fines apply to online stores?
If you supply into NSW, you must comply. Formal directions can include removal from sale and significant penalties for ongoing breaches.
Tip: Prefer enzyme and jojoba-bead formulas for gentle, uniform exfoliation.
About this article
- Microbeads Overview & Plastics Program — NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) (Nov 2025)
- BeadRecede – The Voluntary Phase-Out of Plastic Microbeads — Accord Australasia Ltd (Nov 2025)
- Beauty Brands Ordered to Stop Selling Products with Banned Ingredient — The Sydney Morning Herald (Nov 2025)
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2 November 2025Notes:Article published