Polyethylene Terephthalate
Polyethylene Terephthalate, often abbreviated as PET, is a type of plastic commonly used in beauty products as tiny shimmering particles. You will most often find it in exfoliating scrubs, glittery makeup, lip glosses and nail polishes where it adds sparkle and visual appeal.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, Polyethylene Terephthalate functions primarily as a decorative glitter or abrasive particle. The plastic is formed into small, flat, reflective flakes or beads that catch the light to create a shimmering effect in formulations. It is valued by formulators for its stability, ability to remain suspended in gels and creams, and its capacity to provide immediate visual impact without dissolving or breaking down during use.
Key benefits
- Adds beautiful sparkle and glitter effect to makeup and skincare
- Creates light-reflecting particles for a luminous appearance
- Provides gentle physical exfoliation in rinse-off scrubs
- Enhances product texture and visual appeal
- Gives long-lasting shimmer that adheres well to skin and nails
- Offers consistent colour and shine in cosmetic formulations
Best for
all skin types for decorative use, normal skin, oily skin
Where it comes from
Polyethylene Terephthalate is a fully synthetic polymer produced from petroleum-derived raw materials, primarily terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. It is not obtained from any plant, mineral or natural source.
Products with Polyethylene Terephthalate
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Polyethylene Terephthalate than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.
- Sally Hansen Nail Polish Fuzzy Coat 9.14ml Sally Hansen