According to recent reports, the small, plastic beads that smooth and exfoliate your skin are accumulating in the marine environment and causing harm to aquatic animals.

By Itohan Osagie

In December, President Obama signed the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 requiring all companies to eliminate the beads from their cleansing and beauty products by 2017. While many personal-care companies are vowing to promptly remove the beads, this process will take time to be put into effect.

Your favorite exfoliators and facial products may be undergoing a deep cleansing in the coming years, but this does not mean you have to settle for less-effective beauty products. Here’s how you can construct an environmentally-conscious beauty routine that is beneficial for you and the planet.

Olive + M cleansing oil

This Austin-based company uses a lightweight castor oil formula to combat dirt and bacteria in your pores. This cleansing oil, which is non-genetically modified and chemical free, is used with warm water and a wash cloth, similar to a conventional facial cleanser. It is available in sample sizes for first-time users.

W3LL PEOPLE “Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer” and “Altruist Satin Mineral Foundation Powder”

This “beauty conscious” Austin-based company replaced artificial chemicals and preservatives with botanicals likes organic aloe, chamomile and green tea to produce makeup that nourishes and protects the skin. Their mineral foundation and on-the-go concealer, which come in a variety of shades, are healthy alternatives to other paraben and phthalate-filled makeup products.

Tarte “Lights, Camera, Lashes” Natural Mascara

Tarte’s natural mascara is a simple replacement for the complex and unidentifiable ingredients found in popular mascara brands. Part of their vegan-friendly collection, this product  contains olive esters, a natural and versatile ingredient which conditions the lashes and prevents clumping.

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm  

This 100 percent  organic lip balm lists shea butter as its main ingredient, providing moisture to your lips for up to eight hours without fragrances and artificial colors. Their goal is to be “100 percent natural 100 percent of the time,” and this tinted lip balm is an eco-friendly alternative that is available in practically every drugstore.

Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes  

The company’s tagline is “luxury with a conscience,” but these biodegradable removal wipes are an inexpensive purchase. With organic argan oil as their signature ingredient, these wipes are an easy way to clean your skin without the synthetic fragrances and petrochemicals that cause irritation.