Face Painting Glitter Safety - What Every Face Artist Should Know

Glitter is one of the most magical finishing touches in face painting — it gives sparkle, drama, and delight. But with that sparkle comes responsibility. Not all glitter is safe for skin, and improper use can lead to irritation or even eye injury. In this post, we’ll walk through the safety fundamentals of facial glitter art: what to pick, where and how to apply it, and how to remove it.

1. Stick to Cosmetic-Grade Glitter Only

The first and most critical rule: never use craft glitter for face painting. Craft glitter is made from materials (often metalized) that may contain sharp edges, dust, or unsafe pigments, and it is likely to cause skin irritation or damage to the eye. 

Instead, use cosmetic-grade glitter, which is specifically manufactured for use on skin. 

Based on industry established standards,

• Cosmetic-grade glitter is typically made from polyester (PET) or cellulose. 

• The pigments used are FDA-compliant or encapsulated so that they do not come into direct contact with skin.

• Brands carried by JestPaint all are considered cosmetic grade based on manufacturer's claims.

“Cosmetic glitter is the only type of glitter that you should ever use as face painting glitter or body glitter.” 

2. Watch For Cut, Size & Shape Standards

Even with safe materials, how glitter is cut and sized matters — especially near delicate areas like the eyes.

• Historically, the industry standard for face/body glitter has been a hexagon shape with rounded corners cut at 0.008 inch (often called “0.008 hex”) for general use.

• For areas near the eyes, more stringent standards might apply, so using fine or “safe-for-eyes” sizes is wise.

• Chunky or large glitter should not be used immediately around the eyes. Manufacturers specifically warn customers to keep chunky glitter away from the “immediate eye area.” 

• Smooth edges (rather than sharp shards) help reduce the risk of scratching. This is part of why craft glitter is unsafe.

When selecting glitter, opt for fine hex-cut or microflake types that conform to cosmetic-grade standards advertised by brands (e.g. the “0.008 hex polyester cut”).

3. Consider Biodegradable Glitters — But Verify Standards

With growing interest in sustainability, biodegradable “bio glitters” are gaining traction. But not all bio glitters are created equal, and compliance with skin safety is still crucial.

• Biodegradable glitter are a potentially more eco-friendly option that can be safe for skin, so long as it still meets industry standards regarding pigments, shape, and size. 

• Be aware that “not all biodegradable glitters are the same” — some require special conditions to decompose, and may not break down simply in water or landfill. 
  

Bio glitter is a good choice when events (festivals, beaches) ban standard PET glitter, but vet the brand’s safety claims carefully and ensure pigment and cut compliance.

4. Choosing the Right Glitter Type: Opaque, Iridescent, Chunky, Fine

JestPaint carries a variety of glitter styles. Understanding their features and safe use zones helps you choose wisely.

• Opaque / solid-color glitters are often used in glitter tattoo stencils or as overlays for bold designs.

• Iridescent or sheer glitters add a sparkle that reflects underlying colors and designs.

• Chunky glitter is used to make a statement (festival effects, dramatic accents), but always away from the eye area.

• Fine / ultra-fine glitter is ideal for blending, highlighting, or use on more sensitive areas. 

5. Safe Application: Adhesives, Mixing & Techniques

How you apply glitter is just as important as what glitter you use.

Adhesives & Glue

• Only body-safe, medical-grade adhesives (sometimes called “glitter tattoo glue” or body art glue), cosmetic grade glitter gel or cosmetic grade glitter creme should be used to secure glitter.

• Pros-Aid (sold under brands like Amerikan Body Art, Glimmer, Art Factory) is a commonly use skin-safe adhesive.

• Avoid craft glues like Elmer’s glue — even if “non-toxic,” they are not designed for prolonged skin contact and may cause reactions or poor adhesion. 

• Water- or acrylate-based adhesives are fine for less permanent glitter, especially on the face (they are easier to remove) so long they have been designed to be used on skin.

Techniques & Tips

• Dry brushing: dip a dry brush, tap off excess, gently apply glitter over face paint. 

• Gel mixing: mix glitter into a clear gel base (one created for that purpose), then apply with a spatula or brush.

• When using loose glitter, you can apply directly to wet face paint (without extra glue), especially with fine glitter.

• For more durability, apply a light layer of skin safe adhesive (let it become tacky) then press glitter on top carefully. 

• When doing glitter tattoos, a stencil may be used: place the stencil, apply adhesive, wait until clear, then press glitter on, tap off excess. 

• Always test your glitter with your adhesive or base to ensure it doesn’t dissolve or smear. 

6. Removal & Aftercare

Glitter is beautiful — but removal must be safe and gentle.

• Use soap + water to loosen cosmetic glitter from skin or hair.

• For tough adhesive (like tattoo glue), use alcohol, or baby oil or lotion, let it sit, then gently remove with a sponge or cloth. 

• Avoid peeling off glitter/clumps directly, which can irritate skin.

• If glitter is on clothing or in hair, gentle washing with soap and water should remove it. 

7. Safety & Hygiene Best Practices

Beyond glitter itself, good hygiene and safe practices help minimize risk.

• Never add glitter over broken, irritated, or wounded skin. 

• Only use glitter over clean, dry skin.

• Always test new glitter for allergic reactions (especially near sensitive areas). Even cosmetic-grade glitter isn’t completely “allergy-free.” 

• When working in public or events, you should have liability insurance, especially in case of reactions. 
  

• Use clean brushes, sponges, tools, and avoid double-dipping to prevent cross-contamination.

8. Practical Product Examples & Brand Notes

JestPaint’s own offerings illustrate good safety practices in action:

• Rainbow Crystal Body Glitter (Art Factory): Marketed as metal-free and safe for skin, leveraging cosmetic-grade materials.

• Superstar Chunky Glitter: Made from 100% PET with no metals; their biodegradable line is offered for eco-conscious use. 

• TAG Bio-Glitter: Biodegradable glitter that can be applied over wet face paint or adhesive/glue, and removed with soap and water.

• Mama Clown Iridescent White Fairy Dust: Advertises use “around the eyes, face, lips” and states “contains no metal.” 

These examples show how a face painter can design a safe and sparkly kit by selecting trusted cosmetic glitters rather than generic ones.

Conclusion

Glitter safety in face painting hinges on informed choices: cosmetic-grade materials, careful cuts and sizes, proper adhesives, gentle application, and smart removal. The standards clear:

• Avoid craft glitter entirely

• Choose only polyester or cellulose cosmetic glitter with safe pigments

• Use fine, smooth-cut formats (like 0.008 hex) when working near the eye

• Keep chunky glitter away from the eye area

• Use skin-safe adhesives, not craft glue

• Remove gently with soap, water, or appropriate solvents

• Always prioritize hygiene and test for sensitivity

When used responsibly, glitter becomes a dazzling enhancement rather than a risk. For face painters and event artists, understanding and applying these safety guidelines ensures that sparkle comes with peace of mind.

Do you want to learn more?
Visit our Face Painting Glitter Safety FAQ page.
Visit our Face Painting Glitter Guide.
Visit our Glitter Tattoo Glue Guide.
Visit our How to do Glitter Tattoos Guide.
Visit our Ultimate Guide about Bioglitters.