State Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, is backing a bill that prioritizes the environment over facial exfoliation.

Senate Bill 5609, sponsored by Bailey, cleared the Senate. The measure would prohibit the manufacture or sale of products containing microbeads in Washington state.

Certain consumer soaps may be introducing harmful pollutants into our state’s waterways. Plastic microbeads found in many soap products don’t dissolve or break down; instead they find their way from the bathroom to harbors, lakes and other waterways, according to a press release issued by Bailey’s office.

“The industry is leading on this effort to keep our fish and waterways safe,” Bailey said in the press release.

“This bill gives manufacturers time to find alternatives that won’t pose a risk to our waters,” she said.

“We need to be sure that fish and other marine life aren’t consuming plastics that can ultimately end up in our food system.”