What makes glitter “eco,” actually?

I love glitter. I also love the ocean. These two facts have been in a long, dramatic situationship.

Because conventional glitter is basically tiny shards of plastic (usually PET or similar polymers) that are designed to be small, shiny, and stubborn forever. It’s also one reason regulators are tightening rules around intentionally added microplastics (including glitter).

So what does make eco glitter eco? 

1) Plastic-free: the non-negotiable baseline

Most traditional glitter is made from plastic film (often PET) plus coatings and colorants. Once it leaves your face/craft table/festival outfit, it can end up in waterways and persist as microplastic pollution. 

Eco glitter starts by removing the plastic film entirely.

If the glitter still uses PET, PVC, or “polyethylene terephthalate,” it’s not plastic-free. Period.

Quick label-check: if you see “PET glitter,” “polyester glitter,” or “plastic glitter,” that’s your cue to step away slowly.

2) Biodegradable: but where and under what conditions?

Here’s where things get spicy: “biodegradable” can mean very different things depending on the test and environment.

The best-case scenario

The gold standard for glitter is proving it biodegrades in natural environments, not only in an industrial compost facility.

One widely cited independent certification in this space is TÜV Austria’s “OK biodegradable WATER,” which is specifically about biodegradation in natural freshwater conditions. 

Some cellulose-based glitters (like certain Bioglitter® lines, adn the ones we use!) have achieved this certification and cite testing aligned with recognized biodegradation methods (e.g., OECD 301 for aerobic biodegradability). 

The “compostable” nuance

You might also see certifications or standards related to composting—like EN 13432 (industrial compostability) or “OK compost” labels (industrial/home), which are more common for packaging than cosmetics, but the logic matters: compostable ≠ biodegradable in rivers. 

Translation:

• Industrial compostable means it breaks down in controlled, high-heat composting systems.
• Biodegradable in water means it breaks down in water environments (harder, more relevant for glitter).

For glitter, water certification is especially meaningful because glitter’s biggest “escape route” is wash-off: sink → wastewater → environment.

3) Ingredients: what eco glitter is usually made of

When you hear “eco glitter,” the most credible versions tend to use a plant-based film (instead of plastic) plus coatings and pigments.

A common eco-glitter structure looks like:

• Base film: regenerated cellulose (often derived from plants like eucalyptus) 
• Color + shine: mineral pigments / colorants; sometimes aluminum is used in conventional glitter for reflectivity (eco versions may reduce or avoid it depending on the product line)
• Coatings: to help with sparkle, stability, and safety

Why regenerated cellulose matters: it’s designed to biodegrade under the right conditions, unlike PET. But the coatings and additives still matter, because a plant-based core doesn’t automatically mean the entire glitter is environmentally benign.

Some manufacturers emphasize high biodegradable content (e.g., “>99% biodegradable components” claims) and compliance with microplastics rules. 

4) Certifications: the ones you actually want to see

If a brand says “eco” or “biodegradable,” look for one of these types of proof:

✅ Strong signals

• TÜV Austria “OK biodegradable WATER” (freshwater biodegradability certification) 
• Clear reference to standardized biodegradation testing (e.g., OECD methods) 
• Transparency about materials (cellulose-based film, plastic-free, what coatings are used)

⚠️ “Nice words” without enough proof

• “Eco-friendly glitter” with no test method, no certification, no ingredients
• “Biodegradable” but only mentions industrial composting (not irrelevant, just not the same claim)

Also worth knowing: the EU has an official page explaining how glitter falls under microplastics restriction discussions, and that plastic glitter can be replaced with more environmentally friendly options. 

5) The uncomfortable truth: eco glitter is better, not perfect

Even when glitter is plastic-free and certified biodegradable, it’s still tiny particles. It can still get everywhere. The goal is harm reduction: fewer persistent plastics, fewer long-term microplastics, less “forever pollution.”

National Geographic puts it simply: plant-based glitter may still spread around, but it won’t stick around for centuries like plastic glitter. 

So yes: eco glitter is a meaningful upgrade.

No: it’s not a free pass to dump a kilo of sparkle into a river.

A practical checklist: “Is this glitter actually eco?”

When you’re shopping (or evaluating what a brand claims), ask:

1. Is it plastic-free? (No PET/PVC/polyester film)
2. What is it made from? (Regenerated cellulose is common in credible alternatives) 
3. Is there a legit biodegradability certification—especially for water? 
4. Do they name the test standard or certifying body?
5. Are they transparent about coatings/pigments?
6. Do they avoid greenwashing language? (“eco sparkle vibes” is not a method)

How to use eco glitter more responsibly (without killing the fun)

• Use a balm/gel that holds it in place (less fallout = less environmental escape)
• Apply over a tray or towel (catch the fallout)
• Remove with a wipe or reusable pad first, then wash
• Less, but better: a tiny amount of good glitter goes a long way

Bottom line

Eco glitter is only really “eco” when it’s:

• plastic-free,
• proven biodegradable (ideally with freshwater certification), and
• transparent about ingredients and testing.

Sparkle can still be a lifestyle choice and a values choice. It’s not either/or. 

And if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably one of our people, the kind who still wants to shine, just with a lot more intention.

So… ready to upgrade your glitter drawer?

Shop our plastic-free, planet-kinder sparkle right here →