The Ultimate Guide to Biodegradable Glitter
What biodegradable glitter is, how it's different from standard cosmetic glitter, and how to use it for a more environmentally conscious sparkle.
Why Choose Biodegradable Glitter?
All the sparkle you love, with a lower environmental impact than traditional plastic glitter. Our Biodegradable Glitter is made from cellulose rather than plastic, so it breaks down naturally after use, perfect for festivals, parties, and anyone who wants a more environmentally conscious sparkle.
What Is Biodegradable Glitter?
Standard cosmetic glitter is made from PET, a stable, safe plastic. Biodegradable glitter is made differently: the base material is a cellulose film rather than plastic, so once it's washed off and reaches the right conditions, it breaks down naturally instead of persisting in waterways or soil.
How Is It Different From Standard Cosmetic Glitter?
Both are genuinely cosmetic grade and skin-safe. The difference comes down to what happens after it's washed off:
- Standard cosmetic glitter is made from PET, a safe, stable plastic that's fine for skin but doesn't break down quickly in the environment.
- Biodegradable glitter is cellulose-based, so it breaks down naturally after use, making it a better fit for outdoor events, festivals, or anyone who'd rather their glitter not linger once it's gone down the drain.
Performance-wise, the two look and apply very similarly. If you're deciding between them, it usually comes down to how conscious you want to be of where the glitter ends up once the day is over, rather than any real difference in the sparkle itself.
Is Biodegradable Glitter Still Skin-Safe?
Yes. It's made for cosmetic use in exactly the same way as our standard glitter, and it has its own full Safety Data Sheet covering composition, first aid and handling. As with any cosmetic glitter, a patch test is worth doing first if you or your child have sensitive skin.
How to Apply Biodegradable Glitter
Application is exactly the same as our standard cosmetic glitter, whether that's through a stencil with Body Art Adhesive for a glitter tattoo, or freehand for a festival-style look.
For the full step-by-step, see our Cosmetic Glitter Guide or Glitter Tattoo Guide, both of which apply equally to the biodegradable range.
What Happens to It After Use?
This is where biodegradable glitter really earns its name. Given the right conditions, like a compost site, it is designed to break down naturally over time, reducing its long-term environmental persistence compared with traditional plastic glitter. So you can sparkle at the festival, wash it off at the end of the day, and know it's the more conscious choice.
How to Remove Biodegradable Glitter
Removal is the same as our standard glitter: warm water and a gentle cleanser will shift most of it. For stubborn areas, massage in a little oil-based product, such as baby oil or coconut oil, before washing. Avoid scrubbing, particularly near the eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is biodegradable glitter as sparkly as standard glitter?
Yes. It's made differently underneath, but the finish and sparkle are comparable to our standard cosmetic glitter.
Does biodegradable glitter cost more?
Prices vary by pack and size, so check the individual product listing for current pricing.
Is it safe for children?
Yes, when used as directed with adult supervision, and with a patch test first for sensitive skin.
Where can I find the Safety Data Sheet?
All our Safety Data Sheets, including for biodegradable glitter, are available in our Safety & Compliance Centre.
