Mixing 200 Proof Alcohol with Cosmetic Glitter: Dissolution and Safety
Asked by: baspc1
On: December 24, 2019
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
I would like to know if mixing `200 proof alcohol` with `cosmetic grade glitter` will cause the plastic in the glitter to dissolve.
Also, is it dangerous?
Thank you.
Answer
Regarding mixing 200 proof alcohol with cosmetic grade glitter:
- Dissolving Plastic: Cosmetic grade glitters found in our search are typically made from Mica, which is a mineral. 200 proof Ethyl Alcohol is a strong solvent, but it is unlikely to dissolve mineral-based glitters like Mica. If the glitter is made from certain plastics (like PET), there is a potential for interaction or softening, but this depends on the specific plastic and contact time. Based on the common composition of cosmetic glitter (Mica), dissolution of plastic is not expected.
- Safety: 200 proof Ethyl Alcohol is highly flammable. Mixing it with glitter does not inherently create a new chemical hazard related to the glitter itself, but the mixture will be highly flammable due to the alcohol content. It is crucial to handle the mixture away from open flames, sparks, and heat sources. Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, well-ventilated area.
In summary, while 200 proof alcohol is unlikely to dissolve Mica-based cosmetic glitter, the primary safety concern is the high flammability of the alcohol.
