Sofia Martinez
Glitter is composed of microplastics—bits of plastic smaller than five millimeters. Microplastics are now found in tap water, breast milk, fruit, rain, and Antarctic snow. They have made their way to locations as far-flung as the Mariana Trench and Mount Everest. Glitter in makeup is generally made with metal, usually aluminum, that has been tinted and covered with plastic and cut to varying sizes and shapes. The plastic layer can be made of styrene acrylate or epoxy resins. Biodegradable glitter, made from the cellulose of eucalyptus trees and wood pulp, is an alternative to plastic glitter. However, these biodegradable glitters are only theoretically biodegradable, as they only decompose in industrial composters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Makeup ingredients that are plastic glitter | Polyester glitter, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyethylene terephthalate, Nylon-12, Polyethylene, Mica |
| Biodegradable alternatives | Bio-glitter, Edible glitter, Plant cellulose, Synthetic mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Myrist |
| Issues with biodegradable glitter | Only decomposes in industrial composters, Not 100% plastic-free, Only 94% plastic-free, Not vegan |
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What You'll Learn
Polyester glitter is plastic
Polyester glitter is very familiar and is often used in cosmetics. However, the FDA does not permit the use of polyester glitter in cosmetics. Polyester glitter is a composite pigment, and some colour additives used in combination may form new pigments that are not approved for cosmetic use. The FDA has indicated that it will allow products containing non-permitted colour additives, like glitter, into the US while it reviews data submitted through the petition process.
In October 2024, the European Union banned microplastic glitter. By 2027, it will be illegal to put any glitter in makeup. This is due to the environmental impact of microplastics, which are now found in tap water, breast milk, fruit, rain, and Antarctic snow.
To avoid plastic in makeup and personal care products, look out for non-biodegrading microplastic ingredients such as PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol, or liquid plastic). There are biodegradable alternatives to plastic glitter, such as bio-glitter, which is made from plant cellulose derived from sustainably farmed eucalyptus trees. Another example is Bioglitter™, which is made from eucalyptus cores and is designed to quickly biodegrade in natural freshwater environments.
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Biodegradable glitter is eco-friendly
The emergence of biodegradable glitter offers a solution to the environmental concerns surrounding traditional glitter, which is considered a microplastic. Biodegradable glitter is crafted using materials that break down naturally over time, such as plant-based regenerated cellulose or modified regenerated cellulose (MRG) sourced mainly from Eucalyptus trees. It is then coated with aluminium and/or mineral pigments for reflectivity and, in the case of industrial bio glitter, topped with a thin plastic layer. Despite this, biodegradable glitter is still considered a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional glitter, as it decomposes into non-toxic substances, minimising the risk of environmental pollution and harm to wildlife.
The term "biodegradable glitter" encompasses a range of eco-friendly glitter options, from chunky festival glitters to ultra-fine cosmetic grades. Notable brands in this space include Hemway, Eco Glitter Fun, and BioGlitz, each known for their commitment to sustainability and quality. These brands not only offer biodegradable glitter but also prioritise sustainable sourcing and production practices, further reducing their ecological footprint.
When shopping for biodegradable glitter, it is essential to consider various factors, including the materials used, certifications, and the brand's commitment to sustainability. Certifications such as "HOME COMPOSTABLE" and sourcing from renewable materials ensure the eco-friendly credentials of the product. Additionally, the display of certification standards like ASTM for the USA, AS for Australia, CEN for the EU, and TUV for German-speaking countries provides further assurance.
While biodegradable glitter is a step in the right direction, it is important to note that it may not be completely free of plastic. The term "biodegradable" can be misleading, as these glitters often require specific conditions, such as industrial composters, to decompose. Nevertheless, the development of biodegradable glitter showcases the innovation in the field of glitter manufacturing, providing consumers with eco-conscious alternatives that minimise harm to the planet without sacrificing self-expression and creativity.
The cosmetics industry is also witnessing a shift towards eco-friendly glitter, with brands reformulating their products to meet regulations and consumer demands for sustainable options. With the European Union banning microplastic glitter, the market is expected to see an increase in biodegradable alternatives. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of traditional glitter, the demand for biodegradable options will likely continue to grow, driving further innovation and accessibility in the field of eco-friendly glitter.
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Bio-glitter is made from plant cellulose
Plastic glitter is commonly found in makeup, and it is made of metal, usually aluminium, that is tinted and covered in plastic. It is cut into varying sizes and shapes to achieve the desired effect. However, plastic glitter is extremely harmful to the environment and has been found in tap water, breast milk, fruit, rain, and Antarctic snow. It has even made its way to remote locations such as the Mariana Trench and Mount Everest.
As a result, there has been a push for innovation in the field of glitter manufacturing, and bio-glitter has emerged as an alternative. Bio-glitter is made from plant cellulose, which is derived predominantly from sustainably farmed eucalyptus trees. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and vegan. The cellulose used to make bio-glitter comes from the main building block of cell walls in plants, fruits, and vegetables.
To create bio-glitter, researchers carefully optimised the cellulose solution and coating parameters to control the self-assembly process. This allowed the material to be made on a roll-to-roll machine, which is compatible with existing industrial-scale machines. The resulting particles are biodegradable, plastic-free, and non-toxic.
While bio-glitter is a more environmentally friendly option, it may not be completely biodegradable under all conditions. Some researchers have found that biodegradable glitter made from plant cellulose can only decompose in specific conditions, such as in industrial composters.
Despite this, bio-glitter is still a better alternative to plastic glitter. It is just as sparkly and can be used in cosmetics and crafts, providing a sustainable option for those who want to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on sparkle and shine!
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Plastic glitter is harmful to marine life
Plastic glitter is a microplastic, composed of PET or PVC and covered with synthetic materials to create its shimmer. Due to its minuscule size, it often escapes water filters and ends up in lakes, rivers, and oceans, or is blown away on its way to landfills. Marine life frequently mistakes these floating particles for food, which has been shown to significantly impact the reproduction rates of oysters, while also making other animals less active, less responsive to predator cues, and more likely to be eaten. Glitter is even harmful when it is not consumed, as it remains in the environment forever, breaking down into smaller pieces that can release chemicals that disrupt the hormones of humans and wildlife that ingest them.
Glitter is often consumed by plankton, fish, shellfish, seabirds, and other marine life, passing through the food chain and eventually reaching humans. Microplastics act as magnets for other toxic pollutants, adding an additional layer of contamination that may find its way up the food chain and onto our plates. A study estimated that humans ingest or inhale more than 100,000 bits of plastic each day, and glitter is one source of this.
The good news is that there is innovation in the field of glitter manufacturing, with the development of bio-glitter. Bio-glitter is made from tinted metal covered in shiny plant cellulose instead of plastic, and it is mostly or completely biodegradable under the right conditions. However, it is not perfect, and there is yet to be a plant-based alternative to metallic glitter with zero environmental impact.
To avoid contributing to the harm caused by plastic glitter, it is best to ditch it altogether and opt for eco-friendly alternatives. When purchasing products marketed as "eco-friendly," it is important to do your research, as some companies still mix plastic glitter with biodegradable glitter. Be aware of hidden" glitters in products like body wash, makeup, and festive items like Christmas cards, party crackers, and decorative baubles.
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Plastic glitter is found in tap water, breast milk, fruit, and rain
Plastic glitter is a microplastic, composed of materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), synthetic mica, and covered with plastic. It is widely used in makeup products like eyeshadows, highlighters, and eyeliners, as well as in clothing, arts and crafts, and cosmetic items. Due to its small size, glitter can easily enter water bodies, drains, and rivers, eventually reaching the oceans. This has led to concerns about its impact on marine life and, consequently, human health.
The presence of plastic glitter in the environment is a growing concern. It has been detected in tap water, breast milk, fruit, and rain, indicating that microplastics are finding their way into our daily lives and ecosystems. The consumption of contaminated fish is one way we inadvertently ingest these tiny plastic particles. Additionally, microplastics act as magnets for other toxic pollutants, further contaminating our food sources and potentially impacting our health.
To address these issues, the European Union banned microplastic glitter in October 2024, with a complete ban on glitter in makeup set to take effect by 2027. This has prompted a wave of reformulations in the cosmetics industry. Some companies are exploring alternatives like biodegradable glitter, which is made from the cellulose of eucalyptus trees and wood pulp. However, these biodegradable options have their limitations as they require specific conditions, such as industrial composters, to decompose effectively.
While the ban on microplastic glitter is a step in the right direction, it is only a small part of the broader microplastics problem. Plastic glitter is still accessible in other parts of the world, and its production and use continue to contribute to environmental concerns. As consumers, it is important to be mindful of the products we use and support companies that prioritize eco-friendly alternatives, even though the quest for the perfect eco-glitter continues.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic glitter is made from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of microplastic. It can also be made from Polyester, which is a type of composite pigment.
Bio-glitter is an alternative to plastic glitter. It is made from tinted metal covered with shiny plant cellulose. It is biodegradable under the right conditions.
The ingredient list on makeup products may not explicitly mention "glitter". However, it may be listed as Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Polyethylene, or Nylon-12, which are all types of microplastics.
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