Introduction
‘Is polyester glitter safe for skin?’ is one of the most important questions any cosmetic brand, festival organiser, or body art supplier can ask — and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
The short answer: cosmetic-grade polyester glitter, manufactured and tested to regulatory standards, is considered safe for skin use. Non-cosmetic or craft-grade polyester glitter has not been tested or approved for skin contact and should not be used in body applications.
This article explains the distinction in detail, what ‘skin-safe’ actually means in regulatory terms, and how to ensure the glitter you’re sourcing meets the standards required for your application.
What Is Polyester Glitter Made Of?
Polyester glitter is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film — the same plastic used in drink bottles, food packaging, and textiles. The film is:
- Metallized with an ultra-thin aluminium layer (for reflectivity)
- Colour-coated as required
- Precision-cut into small particles
In its base form, PET polyester is considered chemically inert and is widely used in food-contact applications. However, the coatings applied to create the metallic and colour effects in glitter can introduce safety variables — which is why cosmetic-grade testing matters.
What Makes Polyester Glitter ‘Cosmetic Grade’?
Cosmetic-grade polyester glitter differs from standard polyester glitter in several ways:
1. Approved Colourants
Cosmetic-grade glitter uses only colorants approved for cosmetic use by the FDA (US) under 21 CFR Part 73/74/82, and by the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Many colourants used in industrial or craft glitter are not approved for skin contact.
2. Non-Toxic Coatings
All coatings must be verified as non-toxic and non-irritating. This includes the metallic coating, any colour layers, and any binders used in the manufacturing process.
3. Particle Edge Safety
Cosmetic-grade glitter is precision-cut to minimise sharp edges that could cause micro-abrasions to skin. Craft glitter may have less consistent edge treatment.
4. Heavy Metal Testing
Cosmetic glitter must be free from heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium) above permitted limits. This is tested per batch by reputable manufacturers.
5. Documentation
A cosmetic-grade manufacturer can provide: MSDS, COA, FDA compliance letter, EU REACH compliance documentation, and ISO certifications.
What the FDA Says About Glitter in Cosmetics
The FDA regulates color additives used in cosmetics under 21 CFR. Not all colorants approved for general cosmetic use are approved for use near the eyes or on the lips — and some are only approved for externally applied products.
When sourcing cosmetic glitter, ensure your supplier confirms which FDA color additive approvals cover their product — particularly for:
- Stricter colorant restrictions apply — fewer colorants are approved Eye area products:
- Must use only ingestion-safe colorants (the FDA considers lip products partially ingested) Lip products:
- Widest range of approved colorants, but still restricted vs. industrial use General skin application:
What About the EU Cosmetics Regulation?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 maintains a positive list of approved colorants for cosmetic use. Any colorant not on this list is prohibited. The EU also has restrictions on specific substances (Annex II and III of the regulation) that must not appear in cosmetic products.
Post-2023, the EU has also introduced microplastics restrictions under REACH that restrict the use of synthetic polymer glitter (conventional polyester) in cosmetics. For EU market cosmetic products, biodegradable cellulose glitter is increasingly the compliant alternative.
Is Polyester Glitter Safe for Eye Use?
Cosmetic-grade, fine-particle polyester glitter that uses only eye-approved colorants can be used in eye shadow formulations. However:
- Ultra-fine particles are recommended to minimise any mechanical irritation risk
- Only FDA Annex-approved colorants for eye use should be present
- Products should carry appropriate warnings (e.g., ‘Do not apply directly to eye’)
- Loose glitter applied near the eye by consumers carries inherent risk regardless of material quality
Many professional makeup artists and event cosmetic brands prefer biodegradable cellulose glitter for eye and face use, as it eliminates concerns about synthetic polymer particles near the eyes.
How to Verify That Your Glitter Is Skin-Safe
When sourcing glitter for any cosmetic or body-contact application, ask your supplier for:
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) confirming cosmetic grade and skin safety
- FDA compliance letter (for US market)
- EU REACH compliance document (for EU market)
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the batch you are purchasing
- Confirmation of which colorants are used and their regulatory status
- ISO 9001 certification — confirms quality manufacturing standards
Any reputable cosmetic glitter manufacturer will provide all of these without hesitation. If a supplier cannot or will not provide this documentation, do not use their product in cosmetic applications.
American Glitters Inc. — Our Safety Commitment
At American Glitters Inc., every batch of our cosmetic-grade polyester glitter is:
- Manufactured using only FDA and EU approved colorants
- Tested for solvent resistance and cosmetic compliance
- Produced under ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards
- Accompanied by full COA and compliance documentation
- Available in biodegradable cellulose alternatives for EU-compliant applications
We provide complete transparency on material composition and are happy to answer technical questions from your formulation or regulatory team.
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