Glitters can transform any look, adding a fun, radiant touch to makeup, hairstyles, or festival outfits. Recently, more people have gravitated toward biodegradable glitter. It's eco-friendly and better for the planet, but you might wonder—is it safe for your skin and hair?
What Is Biodegradable Glitters?
Biodegradable glitter, also called paillettes biodégradables, comes from natural sources. Manufacturers often use plant-based materials like eucalyptus or cellulose. Unlike traditional glitter, which is made from plastic, biodegradable glitter decomposes naturally. This means it won’t sit in the environment for years causing harm.
Is It Safe for Your Skin?
Biodegradable glitter has become widely accepted as safe for the skin. Since it's derived from natural ingredients, it typically doesn’t contain the harsh chemicals found in plastic glitter. Many brands develop this glitter specifically for cosmetic use, ensuring it’s been tested for skin safety.
That said, if you have sensitive skin, always perform a patch test first. Rub a small amount of glitter onto your wrist and wait 24 hours. If no irritation develops, you can confidently apply it to your face or body.
Worried about glitter clogging your pores? Biodegradable glitter tends to have a softer texture, which reduces the risk of causing breakouts or skin irritation. Its smoothness makes it more gentle on the skin compared to sharp-edged plastic glitter.
How About Hair?
In hair, biodegradable glitter works just as well as on skin. You can sprinkle it directly onto your hair or mix it with gel for a shimmering style. Since it’s made from natural materials, it rinses out easier than plastic glitter. Still, you’ll need a thorough wash to remove all traces of glitter from your hair.
Ensure you don’t apply glitter with any harsh sprays or sticky gels. Sometimes, the issue isn’t the glitter but the product used to make it stay in place.
Why Choose Biodegradable Glitter?
The biggest reason to switch to biodegradable glitter is its positive environmental impact. Regular glitter contains microplastics, which flow into oceans and rivers, endangering marine life. Plastic glitter can take hundreds of years to break down, leading to widespread pollution.
Biodegradable glitter, however, decomposes when exposed to natural elements like water and sunlight. It helps reduce plastic waste, making it a greener choice for anyone who loves to sparkle without causing long-term harm to the planet.
Does It Still Look as Good?
A common concern about biodegradable glitter is whether it matches the shine of traditional glitter. The short answer: yes, it does! Biodegradable glitter delivers the same shimmer and comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. You won’t need to compromise on the shine factor when switching to an eco-friendly option.
Some users notice biodegradable glitter feels slightly different. It might be a bit softer, and the edges aren’t as sharp. However, this slight change in texture hardly impacts its visual appeal. For most people, the environmental benefits outweigh this small difference.
How to Use It Safely
Even though biodegradable glitter is safer for your skin and hair, proper use remains important. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
- Avoid Eye Contact: Glitter near the eyes can irritate or cause discomfort. Be cautious when applying it around this sensitive area. Some glitters are designed specifically for use near the eyes, so choose those when needed.
- Test on Skin First: As mentioned earlier, always test a small area before fully applying glitter to your face or body.
- Clean Thoroughly: After using glitter, make sure to cleanse your skin or hair well. Use a gentle shampoo or face cleanser to remove it completely.
- Monitor for Allergies: While rare, some people may have allergic reactions to plant-based materials. If you experience redness or swelling, remove the glitter and wash the area immediately.
- Check Labels Carefully: Not all biodegradable glitters meet the same safety or eco-friendly standards. Always verify the ingredients and choose brands that prioritize quality.
How Does It Impact the Environment?
Although biodegradable glitter is better for the planet than traditional glitter, it’s not a perfect solution. It still requires certain conditions, like sunlight and moisture, to break down properly. If these conditions aren’t met, it may take longer to decompose. Still, biodegradable glitter leaves a much smaller environmental footprint than plastic glitter, which persists for centuries.
After you wash biodegradable glitter off your skin or hair, it goes down the drain. Some of it may still reach waterways. But unlike plastic glitter, its natural components cause far less harm to marine ecosystems.
Final Thoughts
Biodegradable glitter provides a safer, more eco-friendly alternative for anyone who loves to add sparkle to their look. It works well on skin and hair, comes in a wide variety of colors, and helps reduce plastic pollution.
Remember to use it carefully—especially near your eyes—and always patch test if you have sensitive skin. And of course, check the labels to ensure you’re purchasing glitter from brands committed to both safety and sustainability.
Next time you want to shine, choose biodegradable glitter. You’ll not only look amazing but also contribute to protecting the environment. For your next party or event, explore Éclairée’s ethical cosmetic collection, perfect for adding eco-friendly glam to your look.
Shop now and let your sparkle reflect your values!