By: Sara Hersh

Your Glitter Might Be Plastic. Here's How to Tell.

I love glitter. That probably goes without saying considering I own a cosmetics brand that makes an entire collection of the stuff.

But there's something about conventional glitter that a lot of people don't realize: most of it is made from plastic.

I'm talking about the glitter in makeup, body products, craft supplies, and pretty much anything else designed to leave you finding sparkles in your house six months later.

The problem isn't necessarily what it does to your skin. It's what happens to those tiny pieces of plastic once they end up in the environment.

And if you've ever tried shopping for eco-friendly glitter, you've probably noticed how confusing the options can be. Biodegradable, plant-based, natural, plastic-free. These terms get thrown around so much that it's difficult to tell what's actually different.

So let's get into it.

First, What's Regular Glitter Made From?

Traditional glitter is commonly made from PET, or polyethylene terephthalate. It's a type of polyester plastic that's cut into tiny particles, often with reflective coatings that give glitter its shine.

Because these particles are so small and resist breaking down, conventional plastic glitter is considered a microplastic.

Microplastics are a growing environmental concern because they can persist in waterways, soil, and other ecosystems.

That doesn't mean putting cosmetic-grade plastic glitter on your body is automatically dangerous. Environmental concerns and skin safety are two different conversations, and I think it's important not to confuse them.

Personally, I just don't love the idea of using tiny pieces of persistent plastic when there are other ways to get the same visual effect.

How to Tell If Your Glitter Contains Plastic

Here's where knowing how to read an ingredient label comes in handy.

Some common plastic ingredients you might find in glitter and shimmer products include:

• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
• Polyamide (Nylon)

If you're trying to avoid plastic-based glitter, these are some of the ingredient names to look for.

Keep in mind that seeing a synthetic polymer on an ingredient list doesn't automatically mean a product contains plastic glitter. These ingredients can serve other purposes in a formula, including helping with texture, consistency, and wear.

That's why I think understanding ingredient lists is more useful than relying on whatever claims are printed on the front of the packaging.

What About Biodegradable Glitter?

The term "biodegradable" is a little more complicated than it sounds.

Biodegradable glitter is often marketed as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic glitter. And depending on how it's made, it can offer some advantages.

But not all biodegradable glitter is created equal, and the term alone doesn't tell you much about what happens to it after it's washed down the drain.

Some products are made from modified cellulose, while others use different plant-derived materials or additional coatings to create their color and reflective finish.

The problem is that biodegradability depends on the actual material and the conditions it's exposed to.

Something that breaks down under controlled testing conditions won't necessarily behave the same way in a river or ocean.

Research has also shown that certain biodegradable glitter alternatives can affect freshwater ecosystems. So replacing conventional glitter with something labeled biodegradable isn't automatically a perfect solution.

I'm not saying all biodegradable glitter is bad. I'm saying it's worth looking beyond the label.

What About Mica and Mineral-Based Glitter?

If you love intense shimmer, color shifts, and highly reflective finishes, mineral and glass-based effect pigments can produce some pretty impressive results.

Mica is a mineral commonly used in cosmetics to create shimmer and pearlescent effects. Synthetic mica, also called synthetic fluorphlogopite, is manufactured rather than mined.

Then there are glass-based effect pigments, including calcium sodium borosilicate and calcium aluminum borosilicate.

These materials can produce some pretty incredible effects, from fine pearlescent shimmer to larger reflective particles and intense color shifts.

Unlike conventional PET glitter, these mineral and glass-based pigments don't rely on plastic particles to create their reflective effects.

There's also the issue of how natural mica is sourced.

Mica mining has been linked to serious labor concerns, including child labor in certain regions. That doesn't mean all natural mica is unethically sourced, but it does mean we should be asking questions about where it comes from.

Synthetic mica offers an alternative to mined mica, although producing something in a laboratory doesn't automatically make it environmentally or ethically superior.

I think we need to move away from the assumption that natural ingredients are inherently better than synthetic ones. Cosmetic chemistry is a lot more nuanced than that.

Why Frankie and June Uses Plastic-Free Sparkle

When I started making cosmetics for Frankie and June, I wanted products that were visually interesting without relying on conventional plastic glitter.

That's one of the reasons I gravitated toward mineral-based effect pigments.

I love working with different particle sizes, finishes, and color-shifting pigments. Some create a subtle glow, while others look like someone crushed an entire galaxy into a jar.

Our Glitter Rx collection is built around that approach.

Instead of conventional PET glitter, we use plastic-free effect pigments, including synthetic mica, to create shimmer, sparkle, and multidimensional finishes.

It isn't about pretending our products have zero environmental impact. Every manufactured product has some impact, and I don't think brands should make claims they can't substantiate.

It's about making thoughtful formulation decisions and being transparent about them.

So, Does It Actually Matter Which Glitter You Buy?

I think it does.

Not because you should feel guilty about owning a glittery eyeshadow from five years ago, or because every cosmetic purchase needs to turn into an environmental research project.

But because knowing what goes into your products allows you to make more informed decisions.

If you're trying to avoid microplastics, start by learning to recognize the ingredients commonly used in plastic glitter. If you're considering biodegradable alternatives, look into what they're made from and whether their environmental claims are backed by actual testing.

And when it comes to mineral-based shimmer, don't overlook sourcing. Ask where the pigments come from and whether suppliers can substantiate their ethical claims.

I'm not suggesting anyone needs to give up glitter or scrutinize every cosmetic purchase. I just think consumers deserve straightforward information about the products they're buying, without misleading claims or unnecessary fearmongering.

You deserve to know what you're putting on your body and where it goes afterward.