Frequently Asked Questions

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COVID precautions: Since March 2020 the Glitter Nymph Workshop has been taking extra precautions to ensure a sterile environment from start to finish. From making anything, to packaging products, and preparing orders all work is done masked. Surfaces and instruments are cleaned with a 70-90% isopropyl alcohol. Additionally, hands are washed thoroughly, and often, before working and sanitized with a 99% isopropyl alcohol sanitizer in between washes. Any products pictured become the maker's personal tester and will not be sold. 
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• What is the difference between "Compostable," "Biodegradable" and "50/50?"
  For a quick summary, check out this informational post on our socials. 
  The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not necessarily the same. The main difference between “biodegradable” and “compostable” is the presence of oxygen in the breakdown process.
  Biodegradable means that a product can break down into organic compounds WITHOUT oxygen “within a reasonable amount of time.” Biodegradable Glitter is made from sustainably sourced eucalyptus tree cellulose.  It can degrade in nature within several months and is deemed “Ocean Safe.” Within this category, there are two different types of truly biodegradable glitter:

  • Biodegradable Sparkle
     This cosmetic glitter uses a unique plant derived film to offer an eco friendly glitter that degrades in all natural environments. Based on plants not plastic! The product has been independently proven to biodegrade in the natural environment and is antimony free. Because of its cellulose content, it is softer than traditional glitter, making it extremely comfortable when on the skin.
    - 92% plastic free, but the goal is to remove the last bits of plastics
    - Independently tested by OWS Belgium and proven to be highly biodegradable
    - Made with a special modified regenerated cellulose technology that is unique to genuine biodegradable glitter. 
    - It does not contain antimony or GMOs
    - It has a silky soft feel on skin compared to plastic based glitters

  • Biodegradable Pure
    - The first 100 % plastic free glitter in the industry
    - It holds the OK Biodegradable WATER certification by TÜV
    - Made with a special modified regenerated cellulose technology that is unique to genuine biodegradable glitter. 
    - It does not contain antimony or GMOs
    - 100% Aluminum free.
    - It has a silky soft feel on skin compared to plastic based glitters
    - It complies with all the micro-plastics legislation around the globe
    - It is a body safe glitter as it complies with FDA legislation and global cosmetics regulation.
    The Cosmetic Biodegradable Pure line is the world’s first glitter that is 100% plastic free and certified biodegradable- plant-based, ocean safe, desert safe, environmentally SAFE! OK Biodegradable WATER Certification guarantees biodegradation in all natural freshwater environments- it breaks down like a leaf!This is the glitter that shows the least impact on the environment and is the best option, especially if you (or your clients) intend on wearing it in, or around, natural water environments. 

  • ​Compostable, on the other hand, means that a product can break down in a short period (about 90 days), WITH the presence of oxygen.” 
    While compostable glitter is plant-based and does address some of the concerns, it is not the ideal eco-friendly product as it leaves a very teeny tiny fraction of those inorganic compounds behind in some environments. It is made with renewable resources, can degrade in an appropriate environment, and has a shorter lifespan than plastic so it is a step in the right direction. When compostable Glitter is washed down the drain it’s typically sent to a wastewater treatment plant where it will then be filtered and treated at an industrial compost facility and returned to nature. It will only degrade if it has moisture, oxygen, agitation/heat and the right microorganisms. This glitter will break down extremely slowly, if at all, given the conditions of landfills and septic tanks, which are designed to block all of these things out. It is not recommended to wear this type of glitter directly into freshwater systems. 

  • 50/50 Biodegradable / Compostable
    These are 1:1 ratio blends of each of the previously mentioned glitter types. These ultimately cut down on the amount of compostable particles that naturally fall as we go about our sparkly business. It is still not recommended to wear them directly into freshwater systems or oceans as they do not break down as fast as the truly biodegradable range. These offer a slightly more environmentally friendly option without sacrificing the beautiful iridescence, holographic flashes and special shapes that we love. Eventually, all compostable mixes will either make the shift to 50/50 blends or be retired. 

• Is this glitter septic safe?
  The 100% biodegradable mixes will degrade in septic environments. However, the compostable and 50/50 mixes can be a bit tricky because the compostable particles must have oxygen to break down. Most septic tanks are anaerobic (no oxygen), so it's best to stick with the biodegradable mixes for bath products, etc.  ​
   

• Is biodegradable glitter suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
  Yes!
   

• What standards support Glitter Nymph's biodegradable glitter line?

  • ​The Sparkle line uses a unique and exclusive to this brand.  This core has excellent eco-credentials:
    - Certified compostable in both industrial (EN13432, EN14995, ASTM D6400, ISO 17088)
    - Home composting environments (OK Compost Home)
    - Marine biodegradation approved to ASTM D6691-09 
    -Independent testing using ISO14851 (Fresh Water Biodegradability) proved that almost all Sparkle biodegrades in the  natural environment of rivers and lakes in just 4 weeks.

  • ​Pure uses the same cellulose core as Sparkle, but the Pure line uses a 100% aluminum free coating that eliminates all plastic on glitter. The result is glitter that it is:
    - Certified OK Biodegradable WATER by TÜV
    - Guaranteed biodegradation in a natural freshwater environment
    - Verified Microplastic Free (ECHA Microplastic Proposal, Jan 2019)
    - Plastic Free
    - Certificated – 100% Biobased Carbon Content (Beta Analytic)

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• Are your mixes FDA compliant with cometic safety standards?
  ​Yes. All of the mixes are made with cosmetic grade ingredients.  However, due to the colorants used, some of the blues/greens are safe for cosmetic use "with limitation" but they are not safe for use on the lips. Look out for that warning on the listings- if that is the case it will be in the product description. You can see the list of ingredients broken down by mix here. 
   

• ​How long does it take to degrade?
  - Biodegradable Glitter Pure line: this glitter biodegrades 92% in 30 days. ​
  - Biodegradable Glitter Sparkle line: 92% plastic free glitter. It biodegrades 87% in 30 days. 
  However, Biodegradable glitter only degrades when heat, water and oxygen are present- they allow microorganisms to exist, who will digest the glitter and transform it into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. Biodegradable glitter does not biodegrade on the shelf or dissolve in water. Biodegradation starts only in a compost, soil or waste-water environment where microorganisms exist.​

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• From where do you source your mica?
  Synthetic flourphlogopite is a more environmentally friendly, safe, and sustainable option than regular mica. We use synthetic mica in the majority of the 50/50 mixes and a few biodegradable blends. What is not synthetic is sourced ethically. We work with manufacturers that are carefully researched and chosen, and in compliance with  REACH requirements. REACH is “a regulation of the European Union, adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.” Additionally, none of these minerals have been tested on animals. The company that we work with is extremely conscious about the sourcing of their minerals and even donates to causes that help fight the child labor that is laced in the mining industry.

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• How do you get the dry/loose glitter to stick to your skin?
  Aloe Vera gel is the gentlest method. The biodegradable shimmer homemade Aloe Vera formula for both glitter application and all-over shimmer works best. Check it out in the shop under "Shimmer body glitter gel." It takes a small bit to coat the skin a little bit for the glitter to adhere. You can add just a bit for a dainty sparkle or dab it on for a chunky look- the possibilities are endless! For an extra long hold, a makeup setting spray is recommended to help the glitter stick for more strenuous activities (like bouncing around a festival or performing a gig).

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• Can I hire Glitter Nymph to set up a biodegradable sparkle station at my next event?
  Yes! ​​However, for the time being, this service is limited based on location. If you'd like to inquire further please send us an email to glitternymphllc@gmail.com  with more information on the theme and location of your event. A biodegradable glitter bar may be just the thing to add a little extra magic and sparkle to your next function! We would love to work with you to create the perfect eco-friendly glitter space to match the theme of your next party- face painting included! Whether it be working with kids, soon-to-be newlyweds, concert goers, or anybody in between- Glitter Nymph creates a welcoming space for everyone to feel comfortable in their skin, embrace their uniqueness, and let their light shine. 

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E-mail: glitternymphllc@gmail.com