Plastic-Free Cosmetic Glitter

Responding to growing concerns about the toxic impact of microplastics, British manufacturer Ronald Britton has created a plastic-free, biodegradable glitter for use in cosmetics.

Cosmetic Bio-glitter Pure is made from a plant-based cellulose primarily derived from responsibly sourced eucalyptus. Traditional glitter, usually made using polyester, is a type of microplastic – a material increasingly being condemned for its devastating effects on marine life.

A ban on the use of all microplastics in rinse-off cosmetics, including glitter and microbeads, came into force in the UK in January 2018, following bans in a number of other countries. Cosmetic Bio-glitter Pure is compliant with this new legislation and could set a new benchmark for eco-friendly glitter-based cosmetics. Stephen Cotton, commercial director of Ronald Britton, asserts that the product is “a huge leap forward for the industry”.

According to the company, the glitter can be used in any cosmetic product and is suitable for a range of dry, liquid or cream formulas. It also has the benefit of offering reflective and iridescent tones that are subtler than conventional glitter, further opening it up to innovative use in the beauty industry.

As noted in Beauty Projections 2018: Cosmetics, glitter is becoming a mainstream feature of beauty fans’ make-up bags and is appearing in a host of creative and unusual products. Unabashed glitter looks also made a statement during the latest catwalk season – see A/W 18/19 Women’s Make-Up for more.

For further pioneering plastic alternatives, see Material Direction: Evolving Plastics.