MLM Cosmetic · Global Bulk Cosmetic Pigments Manufacturer · Custom MOQ 25kg / Stock No Limit · ISO 22716
Industry Knowledge Base

Glitter Raw Material Glossary

The definitive dictionary for cosmetic formulators, procurement managers, and eco-conscious brands. Define your specs with precision.

A

Antimony-Free

Chemical & Eco

A purity standard where glitter is manufactured without antimony (a toxic heavy metal). MLM PURE and SPARKLE lines undergo strict SGS testing to guarantee 0.00% antimony content, making them 100% safe for direct skin and eye contact.

B

Bio-Glitter

Chemical & Eco

A marketing term often misused in the industry. True biodegradable glitter (like MLM PURE™) is made from plant cellulose and breaks down in natural freshwater. Fake 'bio-glitters' use PLA, which only degrades in industrial composters.

C

Cellulose

Physical Specs

The core natural polymer used in true eco-glitter. MLM sources cellulose exclusively from sustainably managed, FSC-certified eucalyptus plantations to ensure zero deforestation.

COA (Certificate of Analysis)

Industry Standards

An authenticated document issued per batch that verifies the glitter meets its technical specifications (particle size, color consistency, heavy metal limits) before leaving the MLM factory.

D

Delta-E (ΔE)

Industry Standards

A standard measurement of color difference. In cosmetic formulation, a Delta-E of less than 1.0 is indistinguishable to the human eye. MLM guarantees a batch-to-batch Delta-E variance of less than 0.5.

F

FDA Compliant

Industry Standards

Glitter that meets the rigorous standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in cosmetics, particularly around the lips and eyes. MLM cosmetic lines are fully compliant and documented.

H

Hex Cut

Physical Specs

The standard and most popular shape for cosmetic glitter, cut into perfect hexagons. It provides maximum light reflection and lays flat on the skin.

Holographic

Physical Specs

A visual effect created by micro-embossing the glitter film with extreme precision. It splits light into a rainbow spectrum, creating a 3D rainbow effect.

I

Iridescent

Physical Specs

A visual effect that shifts color depending on the angle of view and light. It is achieved by layering multiple refractive indexes, popular in 'mermaid' or 'unicorn' cosmetic lines.

M

Mesh Size

Physical Specs

The standard unit for measuring glitter particle size. Higher mesh numbers mean finer particles. For example, 1/128" (0.2mm) is standard for eyeshadow, while 1/500" (0.05mm) is ultra-fine powder.

Micron (µm)

Physical Specs

A unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter. In glitter manufacturing, it usually refers to the thickness of the film (e.g., 30 microns), which dictates how 'soft' the glitter feels on the skin.

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

Industry Standards

A crucial document outlining the occupational safety, handling, and spill procedures for raw materials. MLM provides open-access MSDS for all product lines in our Trust Center.

P

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Chemical & Eco

A type of bioplastic used in 'fake' biodegradable glitters. It requires sustained high temperatures (over 60°C) in an industrial composter to break down, meaning it will persist as microplastic in oceans and lakes.

R

REACH

Industry Standards

The European Union regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. MLM cosmetic lines are fully REACH compliant, safeguarding our B2B clients from EU import seizures.

S

Solvent Resistance

Physical Specs

The ability of glitter to be submerged in aggressive bases (like nail polish suspensions, MEK, or toluene) without the color bleeding or the film melting. MLM Custom Lab lines offer extreme solvent resistance up to 220°C.

T

TDS (Technical Data Sheet)

Industry Standards

A comprehensive document detailing the technical properties of the glitter, including heat resistance, thickness, specific gravity, and chemical composition.

TÜV OK biodegradable WATER

Chemical & Eco

The highest global standard for environmental degradation, issued by TÜV Austria. It guarantees the glitter will biodegrade in natural, ambient freshwater environments. MLM PURE line is proudly certified under this standard.