Shine brightly without polluting the planet with microplastics? Today it is possible thanks to the 100% plastic-free formula of biodegradable glitter. What is it ? How are they made and how are they different from regular sequins? Find the answers in this article:
Where does the glitter traditionally used in cosmetics come from?
Most of the glitter used in cosmetics is made from metal (aluminum) coated in plastic which is then cut into different sizes and shapes to achieve a glittering end result.
Beyond the fact that the production process of flakes is not natural, they flow into the sewers; where they do not deteriorate in the short term. A growing body of research suggests that these microplastics find their way into rainwater, the oceans and thus enter the food chain and ultimately the human body. Of course, they are also harmful to the health of living beings, given their harmful chemical composition, which may possibly contain endocrine disruptors.
How can we recognize plastic glitter in cosmetics?
It is indeed necessary to be able to educate oneself on the subject: it is necessary to be able to identify the ingredients concerned. The glitter will not be identified by the term “glitter” in the ingredient list but rather by the terms “Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)”, “polyurethane”, “PVP”, “Nylon” etc.
Is the natural alternative worth it?
A more ecological alternative to microplastic flakes exists: these are micas. These are minerals that exist naturally in mines and are silicate minerals (muscovites, phlogopites, etc.).
It is worth pointing out that although biodegradable glitter does not contribute to the microplastic problem, it may not be completely harmless. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that biodegradable glitter made from cellulose had a negative impact on river and lake ecosystems. For example, eco-glitter reduces the amount of chlorophyll in the water, which would have a negative impact on organisms such as microalgae, and reduces the length of the roots of certain plants.
Although this alternative is ecological, it is necessary to be able to choose its micas correctly:
Validate the composition of micas in heavy metals: As with all mineral products, it is necessary and regulated to validate that the micas used in cosmetics do not contain heavy metals, which can be harmful to health.
Child labor: The issue of child labor is more relevant today than before; in the aftermath of the pandemic that plunged the global economy into recession, more and more children find themselves caught up in mining.
At Prodigia, all the glitter used in our manufacturing process is Cosmos Natural certified, does not contain traces of heavy metals and comes from a strict no child labor policy.
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