The Spooky Truth About Glitter

Oct 30

Oct 30 The Spooky Truth About Glitter

That glitter eyeshadow is cute - but at what cost?

It’s almost time for Halloween, which means one thing: lots of glitter. Whether it’s in costumes, makeup, or your next prank on your roommate, glitter is a fun, harmless way to let out your creative side. Or is it?

Not true: contrary to popular belief, non-eye safe glitter poses real threats to your health, including scratched corneas and infections that can send you to the ER.

What, exactly, is non-eye safe glitter?

In order to understand what makes glitter eye-safe or not, it’s first important to understand what exactly glitter is. According to the BBC, glitter can be made from various materials, including plastic, metal, glass, biodegradable kelp, and mica. The first two are often used to make big glitter particles - what you would traditionally think of as glitter. Because of environmental concerns, however (glitter is a type of microplastic), many companies are using non-traditional, more eco-friendly materials such as kelp or mica. [1]

In addition to material, glitter can be informally sorted by grade. Craft glitter is what you think of as glitter - bigger, chunky, usually made of metal or plastic, and with sharper edges. On the other hand, cosmetic-grade glitter is the name of glitter that follow standards set by the beauty industry. Typically, cosmetic-grade glitter are small particles made from polymers, with hexagonal edges as to reduce the risk of injury. It tends to be smaller, and is thus considered “safer” for eyes. [2]

What are the dangers of glitter?

Two words: eye damage. Craft glitter is out of the question - the metal and sharp edges mean that there is a very real risk of scratching your cornea, which can lead to eye infections and long-term eye damage. Even cosmetic glitter, which is considered by some to be safer, carries risks - it still has sharp edges, and because of its small size, can be harder to wash out once it’s in your eye. As stated before, the sharp edges can cut the cornea which result in corneal scratches. Although most corneal scratches usually heal in a day or two, they require special attention, especially those caused by plant matter. Otherwise, they can turn into eye infections and eye ulcers. [3]

What are the dangers of glitter? Two words: eye damage.

Non-plastic glitter also carries risks. Lush USA, when reached for comment, verified that their glitter is plastic-free, but recommends against getting it in the eye area. The Food and Drug Administration goes so far as to go against any use of glitter, even cosmetic-grade, around the eye area. [4] Clearly, the danger is real.

What does that mean for me, the consumer?

Unfortunately, many companies still do not disclose whether the glitter they use is eye-safe or not. Other times, the label is barely visible, serving as a way for companies to claim plausible deniability when something goes wrong. It’s wrong and unfair to consumers. After all, why put eye glitter in products that are clearly meant to be used in the eye area unless companies know they can get away with it? Sadly, the current trend of glitter-mania shows no signs of stopping, and so it becomes up to us, the consumers, to be aware of the dangers. The author recommends using glitter, if you must, around the eyes only if it’s explicitly stated to be eye-safe. Be careful in removing the glitter. And please, please don’t use craft glitter.