J
%Start Is There a Glitter Shortage? Top TikTok Conspiracy TheoriesHome > FYISource: Getty Images
visibility
929 views
thumb_up
16 likes
M
18 2022, Published 10:12 p.m. ET
Never in a million years did we think TikTokers would be losing their minds over glitter shortage conspiracy theories, but here we are.
thumb_up
27 likes
L
And after we did a bit of digging, we're also invested in the sparkly matter. Who knew the glitter industry would be so cryptic?
thumb_up
7 likes
G
Article continues below advertisement
TikToker Rae — aka @maxedoutmommy — posted a viral TikTok about the puzzling alleged glitter shortage. With over 1.4 million views, her video highlights suppliers, the industry's bizarrely secretive nature, and conspiracy theories surrounding where all the glitter is going. Hilariously, in the TikTok video, Rae enthusiastically explains the situation to her husband via an informative PowerPoint presentation.
thumb_up
44 likes
A
Her main source is a 2018 New York Times article titled “What Is Glitter?” Though the surprisingly juicy piece is four years old, TikTok and Reddit are blowing up the story in 2022. Let's get acquainted with all things glitter. Source: Getty ImagesArticle continues below advertisement
What is glitter
In short, glitter is "aluminum metalized polyethylene terephthalate," as detailed by The New York Times.
thumb_up
22 likes
C
"Most of the glitter that adorns America’s name brand products" comes from one of two facilities. Both of them are located in New Jersey of all places. While one anonymous company refused to answer any questions (totally sketchy, but okay), Glitterex was happy to speak to The New York Times' Caity Weaver.
thumb_up
38 likes
A
Glitterex's CEO and president, Babu Shetty, briefly explained what glitter is. Showing Caity a piece of polyester film, he said that “people might know [it] as mylar."
"It’s the same polymer as used in a water bottle, so FDA-approved. If you cut this you’d get a clear glitter.” Clear film is then metalized by evaporating aluminum.
thumb_up
9 likes
J
Article continues below advertisement
The process is complex and contains many steps, but we'll leave it at that for the sake of conciseness. Not only that, but Glitterex is extremely secretive about the nitty-gritty details of the glitter-making process. Caity wasn't allowed to see or hear glitter being made (?), let alone "be in the same wing of the building as the room in which glitter was being made under any circumstance." Apparently, Glitterex's clients are also kept in the dark.
thumb_up
26 likes
H
Out of the countless multinational corporations that are Glitterex clients, just Revlon, Inc. gave consent to be named.Article continues below advertisement @maxedoutmommy But really, what is it??
thumb_up
27 likes
R
#glitterconspiracy #glittergate #glitter #wherestheglitter original sound - Rae Source: TikTok/@maxedoutmommy
Where is all the glitter going
Though the NYT article doesn't mention a shortage, the internet is swirling with rumors concerning a shortage of the shiny microplastics. First, what products use glitter?
thumb_up
11 likes
E
Obvious ones include makeup and nail polish, but if you look closely, glitter is EVERYWHERE. The NYT article mentions that glitter is used to decorate credit cards, football helmets, and jet ski paint.
thumb_up
22 likes
N
The reflective stuff is even used to track animals like polar bears and elephants (glitter poop!) and prevent plywood counterfeiting. (Hidden layers of colored glitter are often inserted into plywood.) Article continues below advertisement
But Glitterex manager Lauren Dyer refused to expose the industry that serves as Glitterex’s biggest market. We aren't even talking about naming a specific client, we're talking about an entire industry.
thumb_up
44 likes
N
When asked if she knew which industry it was, she replied "Oh, God, yes." Before giggling, she continued, saying "And you would never guess it. Let’s just leave it at that.” As for why she wouldn't reveal the industry, she relayed it's "because they don’t want anyone to know that it’s glitter.” Okay, we need to know. Upon inspection, Lauren said it would be difficult to tell that this product includes glitter.
thumb_up
19 likes
D
“Oh, you’d be able to see something. But it’s — yeah, I can’t," she said. What does it mean?Article continues below advertisement @chuppl where did the glitter go #glitter #conspiracy original sound - jack Source: TikTok/@chuppl
TikTok and Reddit boast conspiracy theories about the mysterious glitter-purchasing industry
TikToker Rae — who is seemingly very invested in the strange glitter conundrum — shared that the leading theory on TikTok and Reddit surrounds boat paint.
thumb_up
43 likes
I
However, considering jet ski paint and "automotive grade pigments" are brought up in the article, Rae doesn't believe that this industry/product is to blame. We like the way she thinks. Article continues below advertisement
Other theories point to beaches, as some people believe fine glitter is being mixed with sand to make the landscapes more attractive.
thumb_up
12 likes
J
Interesting. Another theory targets the toothpaste industry.
thumb_up
17 likes
A
Rae even mentioned a 2014 article by DentalBuzz titled "Crest toothpaste embeds plastic in our gums." Oh the scandal that would be. Yes, Crest toothpaste does include plastic, but its use of aluminum oxide (a buffering agent) is seemingly not the same as the aluminum used in glitter.
thumb_up
42 likes
V
According to Cosmetic Dental Associates, the sparkly beads in many toothpastes are made of polypropylene.Article continues below advertisement @seansvv @chuppl National Glitter Shortage - My Theory #theory #glittershortage #glittertok #militarytok original sound - SEAN Source: TikTok/@seansvv
TikToker Sean — aka @seansvv — theorized that high quantities of glitter are being used for military applications. "There's actually a lot of military applications — especially when you talk about explosives and tracing explosives with very small microplastics," Sean said. "Meaning you can ID specific explosives just by using a microscope at blast locations." So, what are your theories?
thumb_up
36 likes
B
(Could the culprit perchance make edible products?)AdvertisementMore from Distractify
This TikToker Has a Theory About Halloween Costumes of Iconic Celebrities
Are the Death Rumors Surrounding TikTok Star Chris Olsen Actually True? "It Made Me Think of You" Is TikTok's Latest Trending Song — Who Sings It?
thumb_up
48 likes
S
Latest FYI News and UpdatesAdvertisementABOUT DistractifyAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseDMCASitemapCONNECT with DistractifyLink to Facebook
Link to TwitterLink to InstagramContact us by Email Copyright 2022 Distractify. Distractify is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved.
thumb_up
43 likes
A
People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
thumb_up
4 likes
Similar Discussions
-
WWE 5 non PG Stephanie McMahon moments that you may have forgotten
-
Carlos Sainz This major F1 change is not talked about enough
-
All mainline God of War games ranked before Ragnarok arrives
-
PMPL SEA Championship 2022 Fall Teams PMGC slots format schedule and where to watch
-
Nam Joo hyuk Fighting Fans welcome the actor with supportive messages marking his first appearance since the bullying scandal
-
Genshin Impact 3 2 characters Layla and Nahida release dates and character designs
-
Kang Ha neul Ha Ji won s new K drama Curtain Call first stills out
-
Former Red Bull driver academy reject speaks out in support of Helmut Marko
-
SUR vs YOR Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Today s Playing 11 Player Stats Pitch Report for County Championship 2022 Match 115
-
Hearn talks Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin
-
Popular talent details AEW s inclusion of stars proud to be LGBTQ discloses goals in Tony Khan led promotion
-
What time will Love Is Blind After the Altar season 2 air on Netflix? Details explored
-
Jon Moxley former multi time world champion 5 current AEW stars who should finish their careers with WWE
-
Minecraft Championship MCC 25 Second half of competing teams announced
-
Potential update on who was looking after CM Punk s dog Larry after AEW All Out
-
PSG vs Brest Where to watch in India USA and UK Ligue 1 2022 23
-
Barcelona Transfer News Roundup Barca to sue Atletico Madrid over Antoine Griezmann transfer deal PSG want Blaugrana forward to replace Messi next summer and more 9 September 2022
-
Olympia Serena Williams were matching head to toe since then we have made Olympia footwear apparel to match her amazing mom Nike executive on inspiration for company to design for mother daughter duo
-
The doc fit goes crazy Dr DisRespect fans react as streamer reveals collaboration with NBA 2K23
-
Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak s Title Update 2 will feature increased armor level cap
-
7 things to do in Minecraft when you re bored 2022
-
He needs to eradicate those mistakes from his game Rio Ferdinand sends message to Chelsea over 30 year old s form this season
-
Sometimes it s too good what he does Frances Tiafoe on facing Rafael Nadal in 2022 US Open 4R
-
Lazio vs Napoli prediction preview team news and more Serie A 2022 23
-
Will Ospreay provides update regarding his future in AEW puts Kenny Omega on notice once again
-
What It s Like to Live With Charcot s Neurologic Triad Everyday Health
-
Whitney Cummings Speaks Up to Fight Migraine Everyday Health
-
Finding Treatment for Schizophrenia Everyday Health
-
Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough has been sacked CBBC Newsround
-
What Is the Golden Brick in LEGO Masters ? About the Prize EXCLUSIVE