When using glitter as a cosmetic, you should ALWAYS use cosmetic grade glitter. I have frequently had to tell customers that even though craft glitter is just as pretty and less expensive, there is a reason it is not approved for use as a cosmetic.

There are many reasons a glitter may not be approved for cosmetic use. One is just simply a majority of individuals are allergic or sensitive to an ingredient used in the product. Mild symptoms can be caused like blood shot, itchy, swollen or watery eyes and the individual may have to seek medical attention.

Another reason some glitters are not used for cosmetics is the pigment or dye used to color it. Some colors are known carcinogens when used in the eye area! Craft glitter definitely falls into this area. The colorants used can cause blindness or blurred vision, chemical burns, clouded vision, cysts, and/or staining. And let’s not forget the big one, optical cancer. This is serious damage that may not be repairable if bad enough.

Many craft glitters are also made of metal or glass. This leads us into the final reason why some glitters should not be used cosmetically and are not FDA approved. The glitter can fall into your eyes and you may not even notice it initially. After the glitter rubs on the eye a bit, your eye may be irritated for a couple of days or you could end up with a scratch that could cause irreparable damage. Again, you could go BLIND.

So please be sensible and please, I beg you, use only cosmetic grade glitter. The consequences of not are so much greater than the few dollars you think you are saving at the time.