The Truth About "Biodegradable" Glitter
The beauty industry is full of buzzwords—"clean," "green," "sustainable"—but one of the most misleading claims in recent years is the use of ‘biodegradable’. Often brands market their products as eco-friendly when, in reality, they still contain plastic-based ingredients or are only partially biodegradable, misleading well-intentioned consumers.
The Hidden Problem with “Biodegradable” Glitter
While some brands have switched to eco-friendlier alternatives, others continue to mislead customers by:
Mixing plastic glitter with biodegradable glitter – Some formulas contain a blend of traditional plastic glitter (PET or synthetic polymers) and plant-based biodegradable glitter. This defeats the purpose because even a small percentage of plastic contributes to long-term pollution.
Using only partially biodegradable glitter – Some glitters break down only under industrial composting conditions, meaning they won’t degrade naturally in oceans, lakes, or soil. Others might biodegrade over time but still leave behind microplastics.
How to Spot False Claims
If a brand claims their glitter is biodegradable, always check the ingredients. Look out for these warning signs:
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – If this is included, the glitter is plastic-based and not biodegradable.
Polyurethane-11 or Synthetic Copolymers – Often used to bind glitter together, but these materials are still plastic.
Acrylates Copolymer – A common film-forming agent that does not fully biodegrade.
Instead, look for 100% biodegradable materials, such as: Plant-based Cellulose – Often derived from eucalyptus or other natural fibers, this glitter breaks down fully in nature. Corn Starch (Zea Mays Starch) – A natural, biodegradable alternative. Mica-based shimmer – A mineral-based option that provides a glittery effect without plastic.
If a brand is genuinely committed to sustainability and transparency, their ingredient list should be readily available. If it's not, they might be concealing something.
100% Biodegradable Glitter
At Anam Cosmetics, we use 100% Biodegradable Glitter in our eyeshadows. By specifying '100% biodegradable glitter,' we aim to be transparent with our customers, ensuring that every part of the glitter in our products is truly eco-friendly. This level of clarity is important, as some brands may use the term 'biodegradable' without providing full details, which can be misleading. .When you choose truly biodegradable glitter, you’re making a real difference for the planet. Our products are also 100% vegan and cruelty free.