Ingredient deep-dive
Polyethylene Isoterephthalate: Is It a Microplastic?
A PET variant used as glitter and film substrate in cosmetics. Chemically a close relative of the plastic used in drink bottles.
Where it appears
- Cosmetic glitter
- Holographic and shimmer particles
- Nail art
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Restricted as a plastic glitter under the EU microplastics rules.
United States
No federal restriction.
Cleaner alternatives
- Mica
- Synthetic fluorphlogopite
- Mineral shimmer
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Is Polyethylene Isoterephthalate a microplastic?
Is Polyethylene Isoterephthalate banned?
What can I use instead of Polyethylene Isoterephthalate?
What products contain Polyethylene Isoterephthalate?
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.
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Microplastic polymer · High concern
Solid plastic polymer, often used in scrubs, mascara fibers, and exfoliants.
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Microplastic polymer · High concern
The same plastic used in bottles, here as glitter or shimmer in cosmetics.
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Microplastic polymer · High concern
Solid acrylic plastic used as a microbead filler. Banned in EU rinse-off products since 2023.
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