Ingredient deep-dive
Shellac: Is It a Microplastic?
Not a microplastic. A natural resin secreted by the lac insect, used as a film-former. It is the main biological alternative to synthetic film-formers in tubing mascara and long-wear products. Not vegan.
Where it appears
- Tubing mascara
- Hair products
- Nail products
- Natural film-former
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Permitted; natural resin.
United States
Permitted.
Cleaner alternatives
- Candelilla wax for a vegan film-former
Use the app
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Download on the App StoreShellac, common questions
Is Shellac a microplastic?
Is Shellac banned?
What can I use instead of Shellac?
What products contain Shellac?
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