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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Environment
Petra Stock

Glitter has lost its shine – but scientists may have found a safer substitute

University of Melbourne
A young girl getting glitter painted on her face
Some scientists have called for a ban on the sparkly stuff but glitter made from cellulose nanocrystals could help reduce microplastics. Photograph: SolStock/Getty Images

Even before Taylor Swift donned “glitter freckles”, the sparkly stuff was prolific – sold in tiny vials at craft shops and sprinkled on to a variety of products from clothing to Christmas decorations, cards and makeup.

Glitter ends up everywhere: in the environment as well as the carpet.

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