Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a versatile plastic-derived ingredient commonly used in UK beauty products as a gentle physical exfoliant in scrubs, peels and cleansers. It appears as tiny smooth beads or powder that help buff away dead skin cells without the harshness of natural alternatives like salt or sugar. Shoppers often see it listed in rinse-off formulas where it provides effective yet kind exfoliation.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, polyethylene functions as a stable, inert abrasive that delivers controlled mechanical exfoliation. The spherical microbeads or micronised powder glide smoothly across the skin’s surface, dislodging dead cells, excess sebum and impurities while minimising irritation thanks to their uniform shape and softness compared with jagged natural exfoliants. It is also used as a binding agent, thickener and film-former in lipsticks, mascaras and creams, helping to improve texture, wear time and product stability in a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on British beauty formulations.
Key benefits
- Provides gentle physical exfoliation
- Smooths rough or bumpy skin texture
- Helps remove dead skin cells and debris
- Improves skin radiance and clarity
- Gives a polished feel after cleansing
- Offers consistent particle size for even exfoliation
Best for
normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, dull skin, rough texture
Where it comes from
Polyethylene is a synthetic polymer produced from the polymerisation of ethylene gas, which is derived from petroleum (crude oil), a fossil mineral resource.