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Microplastic-free glitter, and what the glitter ban means

Published 12 October 2026

Loose plastic glitter is a microplastic, and the rules around it are changing. Here is what they say, and what Glitzify is free from.

What microplastic glitter is

Traditional loose glitter is tiny pieces of plastic. Those pieces are microplastics: they wash down the drain after a festival or a party, and they are small enough to pass through water treatment. That is why festivals, retailers and regulators have been moving away from plastic glitter.

What the rules say

EU: Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, the EU's restriction on intentionally added microplastics, began applying on 17 October 2023. From that date, loose plastic glitter for uses without a transition period, such as crafts and toys, could no longer be placed on the EU market.
Cosmetics in the EU have transition periods: from 17 October 2027 for rinse-off products, 17 October 2029 for leave-on products, and 17 October 2035 for make-up, lip and nail products.
UK: the EU restriction does not apply in England, Scotland and Wales, which follow UK REACH; Northern Ireland follows the EU rules. Plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics have been banned in the UK since 2018.

Sources: the European Commission's page on Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055; the UK government's explanatory memorandum on it. This is a summary, not legal advice.

What Glitzify is free from

Glitzify silver glitter spray is free from microplastics and parabens, as both Amazon listings state. It is also fragrance-free, for those with scent sensitivity, and it rinses away with shampoo or hand wash. Because it is a spray, the silver goes where you aim it: hair, body or clothes.

How to spray it, for every look

Give the can a good shake. The rattle is the mixing bead, keeping the glitter evenly spread.
Hold it 20-30 cm (8-12 in) from your hair, body or clothes.
A light mist gives a subtle shine; layer it for more intense sparkle.
Allow about a minute to dry, and you're ready to go. It stays all night.

Afterwards, rinse it out of your hair and off your skin with shampoo or hand wash.

Safety

The spray is flammable: use it away from candles, sparklers and open flames.
Keep it away from your eyes, and do not use it on broken skin.
For ages 16 and over.

Get it on Amazon UK Get it on Amazon US

Questions

Is Glitzify free from microplastics?

Yes. Both Amazon listings state that Glitzify silver glitter spray is free from microplastics and parabens.

Is glitter banned in the EU?

Not all glitter. Since 17 October 2023 the EU has restricted loose plastic glitter for uses such as crafts and toys. Cosmetics containing microplastics have transition periods running to 2027, 2029 or 2035, depending on the type of product.

Does the EU glitter ban apply in the UK?

Not in England, Scotland and Wales, which follow UK REACH. Northern Ireland follows the EU rules.

How do I wash it off?

Rinse it out of your hair and off your skin with shampoo or hand wash.