Glitter, sparkly reflective particles that everyone loves makes any outfit, makeup look, or party better with its presence. However, glitter has a much deeper and more convoluted history than one would expect. Not to break your heart, but glitter is not as environmentally friendly as you may wish and many European beauty brands are starting to ban it throughout their products. You may be wondering “what’s so wrong with glitter?” Well, glitter has a deep and mysterious story regarding its environmentalism and use.
The use of microplastics within glitter makes it dangerous to people, animals, and the environment. However, it is not as easy as just going to another form of glitter; many brands have decided to move to glitter made of mica. However, if you have any knowledge about beauty, you may know that mica has its own bad history, as it is often mined by child labor. I, for one, do not need glitter in exchange for child labor, but the issue is that many consumers are not aware of the harsh realities of the glimmering specks on their faces.
Companies are starting to see if there is a way around this by creating biodegradable glitters or glitters that are more sustainable. However, something that deeply confuses me is why we are searching so hard for a substitute for something that is not necessary in any context. Don’t get me wrong, I am a lover of all that shimmers and shines, however, there seems to be a depth of research, time and materials put into glitter. One of the biggest issues in this conversation is that many consumers are not educated on how glitter impacts the world as well as the ethical cost that goes into an item just meant to make people happy.
That last sentence may not be entirely true, though, I’m about to drop a giant glitter bomb on anyone reading this. The biggest purchaser of glitter is unknown to the general population, not because it is actually unknown but because glitter manufacturers are terrified to reveal the answer. A New York Times article revealed the strange mysteries around glitter that had the world in a standstill, with Reddit and every forum coming up with every possible theory about glitter. The sources interviewed stated that no one would expect who actually purchases glitter, but they can not reveal it.
These questions left unanswered have confused consumers and led many people to turn to smaller brands for their glitter, with consumers hoping for better sustainability and real answers. A brand that is turning the glittery tables for the beauty and glitter industry is Ganni. The Danish fashion brand just launched its first foray into beauty with a line of plant-based glitters in collaboration with the zero-waste beauty brand Submission. This is a great way for a company to lean into both beauty and glitter, as consumers know that there is a true focus on sustainability and small batches.
This may not mark a complete change within the mysterious world of glitter, but it will help launch beauty into finding suitable and ethical ways to produce something that makes people happy. I will be hoping for changes within the glitter industry as well as answers, but who knows if we will ever get them.
Words by: Annika Petersen.
Graphic by: Anastacy Golovidov.