The Truth About ‘Biodegradable’ Glitter: Is It Really Eco-Friendly?
The beauty industry is full of buzzwords—'clean,’ ‘green,’ ‘sustainable’—but one of the most misleading in recent years is ‘biodegradable’ While some brands genuinely offer eco-friendly alternatives, others continue to use plastic-based ingredients or only partially biodegradable formulas, misleading well-intentioned consumers.
The Hidden Problem with Biodegradable’ Glitter
Glitter has long been a staple in beauty products, but its environmental impact is significant. Traditional glitter is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a microplastic that contributes to pollution. With rising awareness, many brands now claim to offer biodegradable glitter, but not all of these claims hold up. Some companies 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. Even a small percentage of plastic contributes to long-term pollution, making the product far from truly biodegradable.
- Using only partially biodegradable glitter – Some glitters only break down under industrial composting conditions, meaning they won’t degrade naturally in oceans, lakes, or soil. Others may degrade over time but still leave behind microplastics.
How to Spot False Claims
If a brand claims their glitter is biodegradable, always check the ingredients. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – This is plastic. If included, the glitter is not biodegradable.
- Polyurethane-11 or Synthetic Copolymers – Often used to bind glitter together, but these materials are still plastic-based.
- 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.
Certified Biodegradable Glitter
There are also certifications you can look for:
- OK Biodegradable WATER – Ensures the product will break down in natural environments, including water.
- TÜV Austria Certification – Verifies that a product meets strict biodegradability standards.
Anam Cosmetics: 100% Biodegradable Glitter Eyeshadow
At Anam Cosmetics, we are committed to true sustainability. Our biodegradable glitter eyeshadow contains 100% biodegradable glitter. It is plant-based and breaks down naturally, without leaving harmful microplastics behind. We believe in full transparency, which is why we never use misleading labels or hidden plastic ingredients.
Many so-called biodegradable glitters still contain plastic, but we ensure that every part of our formula is truly eco-friendly. Our products are also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and ethical beauty.