Introduction
Not all glitter is the same — and for wholesale buyers and product developers, understanding the differences between glitter types is essential for sourcing the right material for your application.
In this guide, we cover the 10 primary types of glitter available in commercial wholesale quantities, what makes each one unique, and the best applications for each.
1. Polyester (PET) Glitter — The Universal Standard
Polyester glitter is made from metallized polyester film (PET) and is the most widely produced and used type of glitter globally. It is available in virtually any colour, shape, and particle size.
- Cosmetics, nail products, crafts, industrial coatings, paints, textiles Best for:
- High reflectivity, chemically stable when properly coated, solvent-resistant grades available Properties:
- Yes — in cosmetic, industrial, and craft grades Available from American Glitters:
2. Holographic Glitter
Holographic glitter contains a diffraction grating — a microscopic pattern of lines embossed into the film surface that splits white light into its rainbow spectral colours. The result is a multi-colour, prismatic sparkle effect.
- Nail art, eye shadow, festival and body glitter, resin art, fashion textiles Best for:
- Strong rainbow light diffraction, available in fine and chunky sizes Properties:
- Not all holographic glitters are solvent-resistant — verify for nail and resin use Buyer note:
3. Iridescent / Opalescent Glitter
Iridescent glitter shifts between two or more colours depending on the viewing angle, creating a pearl-like or oil-slick effect. It differs from holographic glitter in that it shows broader colour shifts rather than rainbow spectral colours.
- High-end cosmetics, nail gels, body glitter, resin art, premium craft products Best for:
- Subtle, elegant colour shift; works well in both fine and medium particle sizes Properties:
4. Chameleon / Colour-Shifting Glitter
Our Chameleon Series represents the most advanced colour-shifting technology in our range. Created by layering ultra-thin optical interference films, chameleon glitter shifts dramatically between two distinct colours depending on the viewing angle.
- Statement nail art, eye products, resin jewellery, premium cosmetic lines Best for:
- Dramatic dual-colour shift; available in multiple colour pairings Properties:
- Yes — our Chameleon Series is available in wholesale quantities Available from American Glitters:
5. Biodegradable Glitter
Made from plant-based cellulose rather than synthetic polymers. The only type compliant with the EU’s 2023 microplastics restrictions when used in cosmetics and loose glitter products.
- EU-market cosmetics, festival glitter, children’s products, eco-conscious brands Best for:
- Biodegrades in 4–6 weeks; skin-safe; slightly less reflective than polyester Properties:
- Yes — multiple shades and sizes, ISO 14001:2015 certified Available from American Glitters:
6. Cosmetic Grade Glitter
A classification rather than a distinct material type — cosmetic grade refers to any glitter (polyester, cellulose, etc.) that has been tested and approved for use on or near the human body.
- All cosmetic applications: nail, eye, lip, skin, body art Best for:
- Must have FDA 21 CFR and/or EU REACH compliance documentation Key requirement:
- Yes — with full compliance documentation Available from American Glitters:
7. Industrial / Solvent-Resistant Glitter
Specially formulated polyester glitter with coatings engineered to withstand exposure to harsh industrial solvents, heat, and UV. Used in non-cosmetic manufacturing processes.
- Paint and coatings, automotive finishes, powder coating, industrial adhesives, epoxy flooring Best for:
- High solvent resistance, heat stability, UV resistance (grade-dependent) Properties:
- Yes — our industrial range is batch-tested for solvent resistance Available from American Glitters:
8. NLFG Glitter (Non-Light Fastness Glitter)
NLFG refers to glitter with specific light-fastness properties — used in applications where UV stability or light interaction is a key performance requirement. Typically used in specialist industrial and technical applications.
- Specialised industrial coatings, security marking, UV-reactive applications Best for:
- Yes — our NLFG range is available in wholesale quantities Available from American Glitters:
9. 3D Glitter
Three-dimensional glitter refers to glitter with non-flat, multi-faceted particle geometry — creating a dimensional sparkle effect rather than a flat reflective effect. This includes chunky irregular-cut particles, cube-shaped particles, and multi-layered particles.
- Statement nail art, premium cosmetics, resin art accents, high-end craft products Best for:
- Multi-dimensional light reflection; creates textured effect on surface Properties:
- Yes — our 3D Glitters category Available from American Glitters:
10. Blended Glitter
Pre-mixed blends combining multiple glitter types, colours, sizes, or effects in a single product. Can be custom formulated for specific brand applications.
- Craft kits, festival glitter sets, OEM retail products, cosmetic palette fillers Best for:
- Convenience of multiple effects in one product; can be custom-blended Properties:
- Yes — standard blends available; custom blends on request Available from American Glitters:
Summary: Choosing the Right Type for Your Application
| Application | Recommended Type(s) |
|---|---|
| Nail polish / gel | Cosmetic grade polyester; holographic (solvent-tested) |
| Eye products | Cosmetic grade, fine particle; iridescent or holographic |
| Lip products | Cosmetic grade, ultra-fine; FDA/EU compliant only |
| Body glitter / festival | Cosmetic grade; biodegradable for eco/EU markets |
| Resin art | Industrial polyester; holographic; chameleon |
| Paint / coatings | Industrial solvent-resistant polyester |
| Craft kits | Polyester craft grade; blended varieties |
| EU market (any cosmetic use) | Biodegradable cellulose (REACH compliant) |
| OEM private label | Any type — we will match to your specification |
Not sure which type? Request a free sample kit and our team will advise.