If you’ve ever found a rogue sparkle tucked away three days after a festival, you’ve probably wondered: what is glitter actually made of? Is it metallic? Is it plastic? Or is it as mysteriously sourced as the famous Glitter Conspiracy Theory suggests?
Spoiler alert: not all glitter is created equal, and traditional plastic glitter is a real problem for the planet. Let’s break down what goes into conventional plastic glitter versus modern, plant-based eco alternatives.
The Problem with Traditional Plastic Glitter
Traditional cosmetic and craft glitters, the kind that dominated school discos in the 2000s, are microplastics. They are typically made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PVC film.
How Traditional Plastic Glitter Is Made:
- Plastic sheet base: a thin layer of PET or PVC plastic film is manufactured.
- Reflective coating: the film is coated on one or both sides with a reflective metallic layer (usually aluminium).
- Colouring and cutting: colour is applied before high-speed machines slice the sheet into tiny hexagons, circles or stars.
The result? A dazzling environmental headache. Because plastic glitter is a persistent microplastic, it can take hundreds of years to break down. In the meantime, it can wash down drains into rivers and oceans, where it can be eaten by wildlife.
What Is Eco Glitter Made Of?
At Luminosity Glitter, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between looking like a festival goddess and caring about the planet. Our cosmetic glitter is made with Bioglitter®, which swaps the plastic film for one made from plants.
What Goes Into Our Eco Glitter:
- Plant-based cellulose film: instead of plastic, the base is regenerated cellulose, mostly from eucalyptus.
- Colour and shine: a thin coloured or reflective finish on top. Depending on the grade, this can include a fine layer of aluminium. The manufacturer describes Bioglitter® PURE as aluminium-free.
- Coating: Bioglitter® PURE uses a coating the manufacturer describes as plastic-free. Some other grades use a coating that still contains a small amount of plastic.
That’s why we’re open about which range is which. Our Shimmer and Electric Sherbet ranges use Bioglitter® PURE, which is certified “OK biodegradable WATER” by TÜV Austria, meaning it has been independently tested to biodegrade in natural freshwater. Our Sparkle, Holographic and Glisten ranges have a plant-based core and far less plastic than conventional glitter, but they are not 100% plastic-free.
Is Eco Glitter as Shiny as Traditional Glitter?
Modern eco glitter is seriously sparkly. Our Sparkle range is our brightest, while PURE has a softer glow. Cellulose glitter also feels soft on the skin. Hand-blended at our West London HQ, our blends are made for face, body and hair. Just remember to keep glitter out of your eyes.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Glitter Type | Main Material | Plastic-Free? | Certified Biodegradable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional plastic glitter | PET / PVC plastic | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Our Shimmer & Electric Sherbet ranges (Bioglitter® PURE) | Plant cellulose | ✅ Yes | ✅ TÜV Austria “OK biodegradable WATER” |
| Our Sparkle, Holographic & Glisten ranges | Plant cellulose core | 🌿 Far less plastic, but not 100% plastic-free | See each product page |
Ready to Sparkle Smarter?
Upgrade your makeup bag! Explore our plant-based blends for your next festival, party or night out. For an honest breakdown of every range, read The Truth About Biodegradable Glitter.
👉 Shop Our Eco Glitter Collection
P.S. Wondering where most of the world’s traditional glitter goes?
Check out our deep-dive into The Great Glitter Conspiracy Theory!
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