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Ingredient deep-dive

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT): Is It a Microplastic?

High concernMicroplastic polymer

Solid polyester plastic, PET’s close cousin, used with PET to make cosmetic glitter and shimmer particles.

Where it appears

  • Cosmetic glitter
  • Shimmer eyeshadow and highlighter
  • Festival and body glitter
  • Nail art

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Glitter and shimmer applications restricted under EU 2023/2055 with phased compliance through 2027.

United States

No federal restriction; some state-level glitter bans.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Cellulose bio-glitter
  • Mica + iron-oxide shimmer

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Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), common questions

Is Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) a microplastic?

Yes. Solid polyester plastic, PET’s close cousin, used with PET to make cosmetic glitter and shimmer particles.

Is Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) banned?

EU: Glitter and shimmer applications restricted under EU 2023/2055 with phased compliance through 2027. US: No federal restriction; some state-level glitter bans.

What can I use instead of Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)?

Cleaner alternatives include: Cellulose bio-glitter; Mica + iron-oxide shimmer.

What products contain Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)?

Commonly found in: Cosmetic glitter; Shimmer eyeshadow and highlighter; Festival and body glitter; Nail art.

Related ingredients

Polyethylene

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Solid plastic polymer. The EU restricted intentionally added microplastics in rinse-off cosmetics from October 2023, including polyethylene microbeads.

Read more

Polypropylene

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Solid plastic polymer, often used in scrubs, mascara fibers, and exfoliants.

Read more

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

The same plastic used in bottles, here as glitter or shimmer in cosmetics.

Read more

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)

Microplastic polymer · High concern

Solid acrylic plastic used as a microbead filler. Banned in EU rinse-off products since 2023.

Read more