What? Glitter Isn’t Vegan? Find Out Why

Glitter is often seen as a frivolous, non-essential addition to crafting and beauty projects. However, did you know that glitter is not as harmless as it seems? Glitter is made up of tiny pieces of plastic, which can be harmful to the environment when it is released into the water system.

Additionally, many glitters are made with animal products such as Guanine crystals, and some are tested on animals, making them unsuitable for vegans.

In this post, we will explore the environmental and vegan implications of using glitter. We will also provide some tips for replacing glitter in your craft projects.

What is glitter made of? The issue with microplastics.
Fish Scales in Glitter? What’s the deal?
Can glitter be vegan?
The Best Vegan Glitters for any occasion!
The Bottom Line

1. What is glitter made of? The issue with microplastics.

Glitter is made up of tiny pieces of plastic and aluminum. The most common type of plastic used in glitter is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a brittle, lightweight plastic that is easy to break into small pieces called microplastics. PET is not biodegradable, so it can persist in the environment for a long time.

While glitter may add a bit of sparkle to your life, it’s important to remember that it’s not necessarily eco-friendly. The manufacturing process for glitter demands a lot of energy and creates a lot of pollution, and the tiny pieces of plastic and aluminum can end up in the environment, where they can cause harm to animals or plants.

When glitter is released into the environment, it can end up in waterways and eventually make its way into the ocean. There, it can be ingested by marine life and cause them to suffer from intestinal blockages. In addition, the microplastics in glitter can absorb toxins from the water and pass those toxins on to the creatures that ingest them.

So, not only does glitter pollute the environment, but it can also harm the animals that live in it. For these reasons, it is important to be mindful of the glitter you use and to find vegan and eco-friendly alternatives when possible.

2. Fish Scales in Glitter? What’s the deal?

Since ancient times, humans have been fascinated by the sparkling and shimmering effects of glitter. Today, glitter is used in a variety of cosmetics and other products. Many people are unaware that glitter often contains guanine, a nucleobase that is found in the DNA of all living things.

Guanine is typically sourced from fish scales, which are a waste product of the fishing industry. As a result, any glitter products that contain guanine are not vegan because this additive comes from the exploitation of animals.

Guanine has a long history of use in the cosmetic and beauty industry. Today, it is still used as an additive to give products a sparkling or shimmering effect. It is also used in some nail polishes and other beauty products.

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of glitter or you want to ensure that your cosmetics are vegan, check the ingredients list for guanine. Avoid products that contain this ingredient and opt for glitter products that are made from environmentally-friendly and sustainable materials.

3. Can glitter be vegan?

Yes, glitter can be vegan. Today on the market, it is already possible to find glitter products that are vegan and do not contain any animal products or undergo animal testing.

However, finding real sustainable glitter options that eliminate the harm done by microplastics also seems to be coming to a breakthrough.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a glitter made completely from plants, instead of plastic. They are made from cellulose nanocrystals. Cellulose is part of the cell walls of plants, making it completely vegan and biodegradable. These nanocrystals can bend light and create the exact same sparkling effect as regular glitter.

This new type of glitter is not only vegan and environmentally friendly, but it is also biodegradable. This means that it will not pollute the environment or harm animals when it is released into the wild.

If you are concerned about the impact of glitter on the environment or you want to ensure that your cosmetics are vegan, look for products that are made from plants. These glitter products are safe for the environment and will not cause any harm to animals.

4. The Best Vegan Glitters for any occasion!

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Plur Vision Biodegradable Glitter

Plur Vision Biodegradable Glitter is a safe and eco-friendly choice for glitter products. Made from renewable and sustainable plant material, this biodegradable glitter is safe for the environment and will not cause any harm to animals. Plant-based glitter is also softer than regular plastic glitter, making it safer for your skin.

Unicorn Snot Bio. Bioglitter Gel for Body and Face.

The Unicorn Snot Biodegradable Glitter Gel is made from 100% renewable plant starches that break down over time, making it much safer for the environment than traditional plastic glitter. The gel can be applied directly to the skin without any primer or adhesive and will stay in place all day long. It is also safe for use around the eyes.

Hemway Eco Friendly Glitter

Hemway Eco-Friendly Glitter is a safe and eco-friendly choice for glitter products. Made from renewable and sustainable plant material, this biodegradable glitter is safe for the environment and will not cause any harm to animals. Plant-based glitter is also softer than regular plastic glitter, making it safer for your skin.

Barry M’s Glitter Cream Palette

Barry M’s Glitter Cream Palette is a versatile face and body glitter palette that includes six richly pigmented shades. Perfect for travel, this vegan and cruelty-free palette are perfect for creating show-stopping looks in no time. The convenient size makes it easy to take with you on the go, and the wide variety of colors means you can create any look you desire.