Shine Responsibly This Holiday Season With These 7 Biodegradable Glitters

By Tori Crowther
Lemonhead LA
Lemonhead LA
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It's no secret that glitter is one of the best ways to jazz up any beauty look (let's be honest, we all jumped on the bling bandwagon), but unfortunately, it doesn't come without a pretty major downside: glitter is pretty terrible for the environment. It is made from tiny sheets of plastic that, when thrown in the trash or washed down the drain, can have devastating consequences for nature and animals. Although it is unknown what the exact effects are of glitter on the environment, it definitely isn't doing any good.

But it's not all bad news — and don't worry, you don't need to stop wearing your sparkle forever — because there are brands creating incredible biodegradable glitter. There are now plenty of options to choose from, whether that be dry glitter to mix with eye shadow pigments (or even for nail art), chunky glitter to carefully add to your makeup, or glitter gel that can be applied directly to the face or hair — all are perfect for festivals, parties, or even just everyday wear if you're daring enough.

We've taken the guesswork out of trying to figure out which glitter is totally biodegradable, so you can rest assured that your glitter obsession isn't harming sea creatures. Read on to shop some of our favorite glitter products that are all biodegradable and ocean-friendly.

Lemonhead LA
revolve.com

Lemonhead LA

Lemonhead LA is a California-based brand you've probably seen all over your Instagram feed. Beloved by makeup artists (Beyoncé's makeup artist Sir John is a fan!), the chunky glitter gels prove that environmentally friendly glitter is by no means boring. Choose from Spacejam (a glitter balm), Spacepaste (a thicker paste glitter), and Glowjam (a UV balm glitter).

One of our favorites (and it's almost impossible to choose, because each product is just as incredible as the next) is Lemonhead LA Spacejam in Midnight Society ($28).

Lush Let It Glow Shimmer Bar
lushusa.com

Lush Let It Glow Shimmer Bar

Lush made a commitment in 2018 to stop using natural mica because of its harmful effects on the environment, and the brand instead uses a new kind of sparkle made from fluorphlogopite (aka synthetic mica made up of natural minerals) in all its products, including those across its holiday line like the Lush Let It Glow Shimmer Bar ($9).

EcoStardust JellyFish Biodegradable Glitter
asos.com

EcoStardust JellyFish Biodegradable Glitter

Take one look at EcoStardust's range of shiny glitter hues, and you'll want every single pot ASAP. A favorite of ours is the EcoStardust JellyFish Biodegradable Glitter ($12), a stunning mix of pastel pink and silver. The brand also donates 10 percent of profits to environmental charities. Win-win.

Glitterevolution Biodegradable Glitter Singles
glitterevolution.com

Glitterevolution Biodegradable Glitter Singles

All glitters from Glitterevolution are marine and waste water biodegradable and made with plant-based raw materials. You can choose from larger flecks of sparkle or finely milled Biodegradable Glitter Singles ($17) in a range of colors like pink, blue, purple, gold, and more.

BOD Mermaid Glitter Gel
beautybay.com

BOD Mermaid Glitter Gel

BOD Mermaid Glitter Gel ($7) is the perfect solution to those looking for long-lasting, mess-free glitter. The gel comes in a base of aloe vera gel to ensure the glitter stays put all day (and night) long.

Eco Glitter Fun

Eco Glitter Fun — or, as it often refers to itself, "guilt-free sparkles" — has almost every type of glitter you can imagine. Fine and chunky, opaque and transparent, and every size comes in an array of beautiful hues. There are so many colors, it might be tough deciding which to try first. The company also donates 10 percent of the profits to Plastic Oceans Charity.

Lottie London Loose Biodegradable Glitter
dollskill.com

Lottie London Loose Biodegradable Glitter

If chunky glitter is your thing, you'll love Lottie London Loose Biodegradable Glitter ($10). The eco glitter comes in two pretty color choices — Stargazer (blue and gold) and Dreamcatcher (pink, blue, and silver) — and claims to be 40 percent softer than plastic glitter.