Our Honest 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.
Choosing the Right Flake Size
Our biodegradable glitter comes in three flake sizes, shown with the universal size code so you always know exactly what to reorder:
- Fine Flakes (Fresh 008): our finest flake, for a soft, delicate all-over shimmer. Best for glitter tattoos and fine detail.
- Mini Flakes (Dance 040): a step up, for extra sparkle and dimension without going over the top.
- Chunky Flakes (Glam 094): our biggest, most dramatic sparkle, for statement festival looks and glam evening makeup.
Every shade comes in 2.5g, 5g and 15g recyclable aluminium tins with smooth, grooved screw lids that we UV print here in the UK. No stickers, and no plastic pots or bags, ever.
Left: Fine Flakes. Top: Chunky Flakes. Right: Mini Flakes.
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.
Left: classic cosmetic glitter. Right: biodegradable glitter in our aluminium tin.
Is Biodegradable Glitter Still Skin-Safe?
Yes. It's suitable for the face, body and lips, and it's made for cosmetic use in exactly the same way as our standard glitter. It also 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 Glitter Tattoo Guide, which applies 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.
Can I use biodegradable glitter on my lips?
Yes. It's suitable for lips. Use a lip balm or clear gloss to hold it, rather than Body Art Adhesive.
Can I use biodegradable glitter in soap?
Yes, in melt and pour soap you can stir it in or sprinkle it on top. In cold process soap, only use it on top after pouring, as the lye in the soap batter can dissolve it.
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.