In what it describes as a ‘world first’, a UK firm has developed a cosmetic glitter that is plastic- and aluminium-free, and biodegradable in the natural environment.
The company, Ronald Britton Ltd, launched its Bioglitter Pure ingredient at this year’s in-cosmetics Global trade show, where it picked up Gold at the Make Up Bar Awards for most innovative cosmetics raw material.
Stephen Cotton, commercial director of Ronald Britton, says: “Cosmetic Bioglitter Pure is completely unique in the market, the first cosmetic glitter in the world of its kind to be derived from natural materials and no plastic.”
Sustainability focus for ingredients
Charlotte Libby, global beauty analyst with Mintel, spoke to CosmeticsDesign recently about shifting consumer behaviours in colour cosmetics, and picked out sustainability as a core focus.
Concern over specific issues - including microplastics, glitter and the conservation of bee populations - is having a knock-on effect onto trends in beauty.
Libby notes that the use of synthetic beeswax is a growing innovation in mascara, and in makeup brushes we are seeing increasing use of synthetic hairs, as a cruelty-free focus is demanded by consumers.
“This is something that’s really going to impact on the whole supply chain; we’re seeing a real scrutiny of the production line,” she says.
Levels of sustainability
According to Ronald Britton, its latest bioglitter ingredient is its most sustainable, and the company offers other similar products that are less sustainable, but higher-performing.
“We’ve been working towards creating eco friendly glitters for the best part of a decade,” explains Cotton.
“Our first step on the Bioglitter® journey was the launch of Cosmetic Bioglitter®, now known as Cosmetic Bioglitter® Sparkle. This remains our brightest Bioglitter® product range which biodegrades in the natural environment and contains only a small amount of plastic that we are working to eliminate.
“Cosmetic Bioglitter® Pure takes that one step further and offers the market a new glitter effect with new formulation options that are completely plastic free.”