Is Pressed Glitter Safe for Eyes? Complete Guide

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Who doesn’t want a touch of sparkle in the eyes? A dramatic glittery eye look can change the whole makeup within seconds. 

But what if it’s injurious to your eyes somehow? Can you possibly get an eye infection, or does FDA approve it? Is pressed glitter eye safe?

Yes, if you use pressed glitter which are clinically or scientifically proven, it should not harm your eyes. In that case, pressed glitter is supposed to be safe.

Well, glitters can even be a reason for blindness if it’s not used in an appropriate way. No worries, we are here to help. In this article, we will discuss it in detail about it. So, without further delay, let’s get started!

Is Pressed Glitter Eye Safe?

Pressed glitter can be applied quickly and with less fallout compared to loose glitter. So, there is less possibility of getting the flake into the eyes, which may cause eye irritation. So, the pressed glitter is safer than the loose one. Now, in case of proper eye safety, it is safe as long as it is used properly. But, if it gets into your eyes accidentally, it may turn you blind in the long run.

Now, a question arises, “Is glitter safe for eyes?” Actually, it also depends on how and which one you are using. Glitters containing fine and less sharp particles are safer to use. Large particles with metals in them can cause ocular discomfort or even infection, and so on. Moreover, for a contact lens user, this is more alarming. Before you decide, let’s know something more.

Glitter eyeshadows are one of the essentials found in every girl’s makeup kit. Many high-end and drugstore makeup brands claim that their glitters are biodegradable, FDA approved, and safe for the eye. But is it actually true?

Frankly speaking, FDA doesn’t approve any makeup products directly. Their work is to ensure whether the ingredients used in the product are safe or not. If the ingredients are safe, the product is good to go. 

So, are you putting your eyes in danger by using glitter eyeshadows? Basically, there are many discussions and myths about whether pressed glitter is safe or not. But as you know, there is nothing perfect without side effects. Our eyes can indeed be affected by these glitter particles or the coloring agents used on the glitter if used incorrectly. 

Also, regular wear of heavy glitters and not removing your makeup before bed can be a significant concern. Do check the ingredient list to make sure if it’s safe to use or not.

About Glitter: Loose vs. Pressed

Most glitters are used for a shimmery day or night glam look to give your eyes more definition and bring life to them. Different brands have launched their own pigments with many color variations to make your eye look more intense, elegant, and attractive.

Now there are two basic but mostly consumed glitters available. 

1. Loose Glitter
2. Pressed Glitter

If you are a makeup lover, you must have used or heard of these two glitters once in your life. In this portion, we will see a comparison between the loose and pressed glitters.

Loose Glitter

What about the loose glitter and its application? Loose glitter is actually a dry and powder form of eye pigmentation applied on the eyelids with glitter glue or adhesive. To apply this glitter, we suggest using a flat brush.

Moreover, to allay your fears, we can tell you that the metallic particles in this sort of glitter may go into your eyes. So be cautious. 

Pressed Glitter

You already know about the safety level of pressed glitter. But what a pressed glitter actually is? 

Pressed glitter is actually a semi-wet eye pigmentation formulated with the necessary gel formula. It provides a semi-moisturized texture to your eyelids. And this texture works as an adhesive, so no glitter glue is required. For a better and safe outcome, you may apply pressed glitter with a brush or your finger. 

There are different types of pressed glitters available in the market. And the ingredients are more or less the same. They are PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), Isopropyl Alcohol, Butylene, Parabens, Glyceryl, Mineral Oils, Petroleum, Oxides of different metals, Mica, etc.

So overall, the pressed glitter is more recommended than the loose glitter for easy and safe application without more fallout. 

What Type Of Glitter Is Safe For Eyes?

Bio-Glitter has replaced plastic glitter with guilt-free items for both people and the environment. In this regard, Bio-Glitter Sparkle is safe for the eyes and skin and adheres to the following regulations: European Cosmetic Regulation: 1221/2009. However, there are some other forms of glitters, which are also safe for usage.

Among all the types of glitter, cosmetic glitters and craft glitters are more common. You can get both as a pressed glitter form. However, cosmetic glitters are preferable because they have finer particles and less sharp edges. As a result, it’s less irritating to the eyes.

What makes a glitter cosmetic grade? Cosmetic grade glitter is also known as plastic glitter, made of ‘polyethylene terephthalate or PET plastic. It’s a microplastic component that is non-toxic, non-allergenic, bio-compatible, and safer for further use.

On the other hand, craft glitters can contain glass, metal, or poly coated with colors, with sharper edges, and the particles are also larger. So it can often cause irritation. Your cornea can get scratched and lead to many more ophthalmic diseases. 

Besides micro-plastic glitters, biodegradable glitters, borosilicate, and mica have become more popular nowadays. But there is a little reminder that not any of the glitters are FDA approved or 100% safe to use. We’ve discussed it earlier. 

We have to choose glitters with finer particles, and less fall out to avoid any unwanted situation. Also, biodegradable glitters can be a great option for multiple purposes.

How To Make A Pressed Glitter At Home: DIY

You know pressed glitter is eye safe. Now, if you have loose glitter instead of pressed glitter, you can make it yourself at home. All you need to make a pressed glitter are- loose glitter, an empty palette, alcohol (rubbing alcohol), aloe vera, glycerin, and a small bowl. Let’s start the process.

• First, make a mixture of alcohol, glycerin, and aloe vera, respectively, in a ratio of 3:2:1 in a bowl.
• Now fill half of the empty palette with loose glitter.
• Add the mixture to the glitter palette and mix well.
• Tap the palette so that there is no air inside the glitter.
• Now wait for 1-2 days, and your loose glitter is converted to the pressed glitter.

How To Apply Pressed Glitter Not To Cause Eye Irritation? 

We have already known that improper application of glitter can lead to untreatable eye disease and even acute blindness. So, precaution is a must while using glitters. Nobody wants to lose their eyesight just to look good, right?

If you wear glitter, you should take a few safety measurements while applying or removing it.

Before and during application:

• Check the ingredients list and go for glitters with finer particles. 
• Never use cheap and replica versions of pressed glitters or any other makeup products. Go for authentic drugstore or high-end brands according to your budget. 
• Avoid chunky glitters; go for bio grade or mica ones.
• Place an under-eye shield to remove the excess fallout. 
• While applying, try to stay away from your waterline and tear duct to prevent them from entering the eyes.
• Use a flat eyeshadow brush instead of your fingertips to blend it properly.
• It’s better not to use glitters regularly except for any special occasion that is going on.

While removing:

• At first, take your cleansing oil or makeup remover in a cotton pad and place it in your eyelid for 10-15 seconds to loosen the glitter up.
• Don’t rub your eyes to get rid of glitter can be a reason behind premature wrinkles. 
• After the glitter is removed, clean your face with a mild cleanser. 
• Moisturize and apply eye cream to hydrate the eye area. 
• You can also use eye drops to hydrate your eyes or remove any foreign bodies from the makeup application.

Any Side Effects Of Pressed Glitter?

Many ophthalmologists forbid the use of glitter in the eyes as it can lead to eye infections, irritation, and many other concerns. So, What are the disadvantages of using pressed glitter, and How harmful it really is for us?

Although it enhances our beauty a lot, it can cause various eye ailments, so it is forbidden to use it often. Also, eye specialists have identified it as the cause of blindness. Eventually-

• The glitter particles that can remain under your eyelid can cause swelling and puffy eyes and also can lead to conjunctivitis.
• Glitter particles can scratch your cornea and can cause severe infection. 
• If it is not treated quickly, you might need a cornea transplant; otherwise, there are chances of getting blind for good.

• If you are carrying lenses, you have to be extra careful while pitting glitters in your eye, or there is a chance of getting irritation.
• Fallouts from the glitter in your skin can clog your pores around the eye, cause milia, and make your skin textured.

Not that using glitter once will cause your blindness or something. But many women seek medical help for this problem every single day. So we need to be careful while using it.

FAQs

Which eye makeup items are safe?

Nothing is 100% safe. But as a matter of proportion, eye primer, serum, eye shadow, and kajal are safer than other products. Now, if you asked about the glitter, then a bio-glitter is safe. Moreover, pressed glitter is also safe if you use it properly.

Does glitter cause any severe issues to the eye?

Yes, using glitter can lead to various eye diseases if it remains inside for a long time. That is because our eyes identify it as a foreign body. Irritation, conjunctivitis, swelling, and cornea infection are mostly seen in patients.

Conclusion 

Wearing makeup is an art, but not by risking our own life. So, apply them safely as much as you can. Now, in the question of whether pressed glitter eye is safe, we say it is safer than loose one when applying accordingly.

So, follow our tips accordingly. And let us know what’s the outcome. Thanks for being with us!