With the constant scientific advances geniuses around the globe are making every day, it's a wonder that we didn't catch this sooner - the tiny exfoliating beads in your face/body wash are ruining the ocean.

You don't think twice about washing your face, especially when you are able to physically feel the exfoliating beads gently cleansing you of the remains of your long day at work. Big name companies swear by their exfoliating products, promising younger looking skin, touch-worthy cheeks, and a juvenile glow. Our oceanic creatures are proving otherwise.

Once you're satisfied with the cleanliness of your skin and rinse off with lukewarm water, the trouble starts. The excess beads are washed down the drain and are too small to be filtered out by water treatment plants. These beads are often composed of polyethylene and are highly toxic to the creatures that ingest them.

Unlike the plastic waste that typically pollutes the ocean - soda cans, grocery bags, bottles - these beads can easily be mistaken for food because of their small size, or accidentally ingested. They float on the surface of the ocean and fish mistake them for things like zooplankton. Such tiny pieces of plastic that many use everyday are killing off oceanic life and altering the DNA of common marine creatures. The fish that do live often suffer from blocked digestive systems and therefore are unable to benefit from the nutrients they get from eating actual food.

If harming the ocean isn't enough to persuade you to finding a new go-to face cleanser, think about how this ultimately affects humans as well. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in 2009, Americans alone consumed 4.833 billion pounds of seafood, mathematically dividing out to 15.8 pounds a person.This means that in one year, one American could have potentially ingested 15.8 pounds of genetically mutated fish - simply from washing their face with an exfoliating wash. Is your favorite face wash worth it?

So if the above information has at all convinced you to ditch your cleanser, here are some great options to use as alternatives that have no microbeads in them!

Cetaphil will gently moisturize sensitive skin and relive dirt and oil from long days. You can find it at almost any grocery store.

This cleanser comes out black and creates a warm lather on your skin - I personally use this cleanser and my skin has never felt softer. You can find it at Sephora for $10.00 and have a baby-soft face again.

If your dry skin is driving you crazy, try this cleanser for instant hydration that will keep you looking young and refreshed, without appearing oily.

If acne has you frustrated but all your previously used cleansers left your face try and irritated, try this Clearasil cleanser that will clear your face without the dryness.

Leave a comment about your favorite eco-friendly face cleanser below!