ECO GLITTERS

Cosmetic glitters — a sparkling effect for soaps and decorative cosmetics

Cosmetic glitters are tiny particles with a specially treated surface that give products a sparkling decorative effect and meet the standards for safe use on skin. The category contains 26 products in two ranges of biodegradable ECO glitters — classic cosmetic glitters and the extra-fine Allure range — in 10 g and 100 g packs.

ECO glitters: classic and the Allure range

Classic ECO glitters come in gold, silver, bronze and red. The Allure range with its extra-fine fraction offers nine shades — from aquamarine and green through copper, brass and red bronze to purple, silver and two shades of gold. Biodegradable glitters are made from cellulose polymers and natural raw materials: they break down in the natural environment, which also makes them a fit for naturally oriented formulations. ECO glitters made from cellulose polymers also comply with the microplastics restriction under Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 — classic loose plastic glitters may no longer be sold for cosmetics.

Use and dosage

In soap, glitters do not colour the lather or the skin and come into their own in glycerine soaps; cellulose glitters, however, are not reliably stable in the strongly alkaline environment of cold process soap and may fade — check the shade's stability on a small sample first. For decorative cosmetics (eyeshadows, glosses, body oils) choose a finer fraction up to 200 µm for comfortable application and an even effect. The usual dosage is 0.1–1%: add the glitters to the still-warm mass and stir thoroughly so they disperse evenly. They do not dissolve in water or oil — they work as a physical effect by reflecting light, which is why they stand out most in transparent bases.

• Glycerine soap: a transparent base lets the glitters shine fully; the lower end of the dosage range is often enough.
• Cold process soap: cellulose glitters may fade in a strongly alkaline mass — check the shade's stability on a small sample; they shine fully in glycerine soaps.
• Body products and make-up: the extra-fine Allure range — for body oils, glosses and eyeshadows; for the eye area, choose only glitters with declared suitability.
• Lip balms: only glitters labelled lip-safe — check the specification of the specific product before use.

You can also achieve pearlescent and metallic effects with mica, and full opaque shades with powder colourants — glitters can be combined with both for layered visual effects. The full assortment is in the dyes and fragrances branch; for help choosing a fraction or shade, write to [email protected].