Glitter and Ecoglitter – a big problem and a good solution – Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Glitter is a must-have to glam up your makeup and look truly dazzling; used for glowing highlights, shiny lips, and glittery eyes, glitter is the instant cheap & chic touch for that gorgeous glow.

Since the 80s, glitter and shimmer have officially taken the skincare world by storm, migrating from makeup. But is glitter good for your skin and the environment?

In this article, we will be discussing:

what is glitter?
why is plastic glitter bad for the environment?
biodegradable eco glitter – is it truly a good alternative?
is glitter good for your skin?

1| 4 how glitter is made
Glitter is made from:

PET or PVC plastic coated with aluminium and then a plastic film
Mineral mica
Synthetic mica
biodegradable cellulose coated with aluminium and then plastic film
biodegradable cellulose coated with a plant-based film
biodegradable cellulose coated with synthetic mica

Traditional glitter is made by copolymer sheets combined with a layer of reflective material, such as aluminium foil, and then covered with another thin plastic layer. In other words, microplastic made of a plastic core coated with aluminium and a polyester PET film. Very cost-effective, very versatile, and bad for the environment.

This type of glitter is listed on your cosmetic label as (for example) 5 CI19140 Yellow Lake …

The mineral glitter option is made with crushed mica; however, this cosmetic ingredient has major ethical issues, from child labor to human rights abuses.

This type of glitter is listed on your cosmetic label as mica, iron oxide…

There is a synthetic option for mica called fluorphlogopite, composed of magnesium aluminum silicate sheets, weakly bound together by potassium. It is synthetic but ethical.

This type of glitter is listed on your cosmetic label as Fluorphlogopite, Methicone.

Many biodegradable glitters under patent are now available on the market, some 100% biodegradable in fresh water and some others not 100%.

These types of glitter is listed on your cosmetic label as (for example):

92% biodegradable option – not plastic free: Rayon (And) Glycerin (Plant Derived) (And) Aqua (And) Urea (And) Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer (And) CI 77000

100% biodegradable option with mineral mica – plastic free: Rayon (and) Glycerin (and) Aqua (and) Urea (and) Shellac (and) Mica (and) CI 77489

100% biodegradable option with synthetic mica – plastic free: Rayon (And) Glycerin (Plant Derived) (And) Aqua (And) Urea (And) Shellac (And) Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (And) Titanium Dioxide (And) CI 77491 (And) Tin Oxide (And) Silica

More on bio glitters below.

2| 4 why is plastic glitter bad for the environment?

Plastic glitter, no matter the material and the size, does not biodegrade in the natural environment and ends up in our oceans.

Think of glitter as the cousin of microbeads; made of similar materials and size, and it is as dangerous for animals as microbeads, + it pollutes even more.

Glitter finds its way to our oceans quite quickly. Water filtration systems cannot trap tiny particles of glitter washed off from our makeup (the same way they cannot trap microbeads), so glitter ends up being ingested by fishes, infiltrating the food chain. A recent study has shown that glitter is also one of the causes of the dramatic lowering of chlorophyll produced in water, indicating reduced levels of phytoplankton, or microalgae.

Conventional glitter is as bad as microbeads. Glitter is a microplastic.

3| 4 the non-plastic alternatives: mica and biodegradable eco glitter. Are they eco-friendly?

Good news – there are good biodegradable glitters available.

Not so good news – not all biodegradable glitters are genuinely eco-friendly.

92% biodegradable glitter with aluminium and plastic coating
One type of biodegradable glitter comprises a core of plant-derived cellulose from the Eucalyptus tree (MRC = modified regenerated cellulose), then coated with aluminium for reflectivity and then bonded with a thin plastic layer for added colour. This type of glitter is not 100% biodegradable because its plastic content is 8%.

When this type of bio glitter reaches the ocean, like plastic glitter, it does not dissolve in water but under specific environmental conditions is degraded and turned into carbon dioxide, water and biomass by bacteria and other environmental microorganisms. No bacteria = no biodegradation

100% biodegradable plant-based glitter (no aluminium and no plastic coating)
A very similar 100% biodegradable glitter but way less sparkly does not have aluminium and plastic coating but plant-based alternatives. This option is inspiring because it is truly biodegradable in freshwater. This glitter is softer on the skin than polyester glitter but has a very mild iridescent effect.
100% biodegradable glitter made with synthetic mica
Another non-PET glitter alternative is mica, which is increasingly used in cosmetics. This type of Bio glitter offers a truly aluminium and plastic-free glitter option using cellulose and mica instead.

But there is a catch. A study conducted by Danielle Green, PhD, of ARU, found that the effects of biodegradable glitter (made with aluminium and plastic coating) and mica glitter on chlorophyll levels were almost identical. Chlorophyll production shrinks by two thirds.

When comparing plastic and bio glitter made with aluminium, Green added: “Our study is the first to look at the effects of glitter in a freshwater environment, and we found that both conventional [PET/PVC] and alternative [BIO] glitters can have a serious ecological impact on aquatic ecosystems within a short period … [specifically] a negative effect on important primary producers, which are the base of the food web; while glitter with a biodegradable cellulose core has an additional impact of encouraging the growth of invasive species.”

100% biodegradable glitter (plant-based, no aluminium and PVC/PET) may not be 100% eco-friendly.

4| 4 is glitter good for your skin?

Generally speaking, cosmetic glitters are made with tested ingredients that are non-toxic and overall safe to use on healthy skin occasionally; however, Glitter applied to delicate areas such as eyes or lips may cause mild irritation and enter our bloodstream via the eyes nose and mouth.

So How Can I Wear Glitter Safely?

Tip 1 – Use only cosmetic grade glitter; never Craft Glitter. Non-cosmetic grade Glitter can seriously scratch up your corneas if not removed correctly. However, by using cosmetic grade glitter, you significantly reduce this risk, but you can’t eliminate it.

Tip 2 – Glitter should permanently be suspended in something – in a gel, oil, cream, gloss… A good cosmetic should be able to hold in place the Glitter and avoid running the risk of inhaling it or transferring it to your eyes.

Tip 3 – When removing your Glitter makeup, please make sure to avoid touching your eyes. Remove Glitter with an oil-based or liquid eye makeup remover on a cotton pad and wipe away from your eyes. If Glitter gets stuck between the lashes, use a cotton swab dipped in remover to get rid of it.

Tip 4 – Rinsing your face in the shower isn’t good enough to remove Glitter, especially if you use shimmering creamy highlighters.

Tip 5 – Buy good Lipstick and Lip-gloss with lip-safe micas or cosmetic grade glitter because it can still be absorbed and ingested (don’t forget that the skin on the lips is much thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the arms and legs so mica and Glitter can be absorbed).

Is glitter good for your skin? Because glitter has not known benefits, the answer is no. But good glitter is not bad either. And it’s fun!

At Native Essentials we do not formulate our products with any form of glitter or mica.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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