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 & EcoA 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 & EcoA 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 SpecsThe 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 StandardsAn 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 StandardsA 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 StandardsGlitter 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 SpecsThe 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 SpecsA 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 SpecsA 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 SpecsThe 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 SpecsA 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 StandardsA 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 & EcoA 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 StandardsThe 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 SpecsThe 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 StandardsA comprehensive document detailing the technical properties of the glitter, including heat resistance, thickness, specific gravity, and chemical composition.
TÜV OK biodegradable WATER
Chemical & EcoThe 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.