Yes To cosmetics containing microbeads recalled by Health Canada

On August 3, 2023, Health Canada issued a consumer product recall notice for four cosmetic goods manufactured by the US-based company Yes To due to the presence of plastic microbeads. Microbeads are listed as toxic substances in Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

Yes To, a global pioneer in natural skincare products since 2006, is now devoted to sustainability. The company sells fruit and vegetable-based goods manufactured from natural ingredients such as tomatoes, grapefruit, cucumber, watermelon, avocado, and tea tree. 90% of the products are vegan.

The following four products of the Yes To brand are listed in the recall notice. 35,964 units of the products were sold in Canada between July 2018 and December 2022:

• Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub

• Tomatoes Charcoal Detoxifying Daily Cleanser

• Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Deep Cleansing Scrub

• Tomatoes detoxifying charcoal deep cleansing scrub CA

Since 2018, the Microbeads in Toiletries Regulation implemented by the Canadian Government bans the manufacturing, importation, and sale of exfoliating or cleansing toiletries using plastic microbeads, as well as non-prescription medications and natural health products. The manufacturing, import, and sale of personal care goods containing plastic microbeads of 5mm (about 0.2 in) or less in size is prohibited. The purpose of the ban is to prevent microplastic particles from contaminating waterways. Health Canada has asked users to cease using the goods immediately and return them to the retailer where they were purchased for proper disposal.