Allowed in EU

Glass Beads

A cosmetic ingredient used as abrasive, opacifying in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

Glass beads are solid glass beads consisting chiefly of oxides of silicones, aluminium, calcium, magnesium, boron, sodium, potassium and zinc

What does it do?

Glass Beads is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Abrasive

    removes material from the skin or other surface, used in scrubs and toothpaste

  • Opacifying

    makes a transparent or translucent formulation opaque or pearlescent

EU regulatory status

Glass Beads is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.

Frequently asked questions

What is Glass Beads?

Glass Beads is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Glass beads are solid glass beads consisting chiefly of oxides of silicones, aluminium, calcium, magnesium, boron, sodium, potassium and zinc

Is Glass Beads allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. Glass Beads is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Glass Beads do in cosmetic products?

Glass Beads is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: abrasive, opacifying.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010