The 'Great Glitter Conspiracy' explained: A 2018 article makes rounds once again on the Internet and sparks new theories, this time with obsessed TikTokers

In 2018, NY Times released an article on glitter, the reflective tiny little pieces of plastic/aluminum that people commonly use in arts and crafts and makeup. The article was sparked by a glitter shortage and the journalist found out that Glitter in only made by two people in the U.S. and both of their factories are in New Jersey. An interview with one of these corporations, GlitterX, ended up being shocking. The GlitterX employee had to withhold massive amounts of information for fear of losing their job and mentions that there is a product that uses glitter that no one is aware of that is their biggest buyer. She refused to share what it is, but did reveal that it is a very popular product that is used by millions everyday. 

Someone on TikTok got a hold of this article and now have re-ignited the thirst to find out what that product is. 

There are many videos that break down the conspiracy very thoroughly and also talk about the theories floating around the internet on what it could possibly be. One of the main theories on Reddit is that it is used for boat paint. 

u/unresolvedmysteries

However, many currently do not believe that to be the answer, because in the article the woman had already mentioned that it was used in automotive paint, so why would she refuse to say it is used in boat paint? Many people on TikTok believe that it could possibly be in Crest toothpaste. Their reasoning is that it is an extremely common brand that is used daily and have you looked at toothpaste before—it's hella sparkly. BUT, there are videos pointing out that Crest toothpaste does not hide the fact that they use plastics in their toothpaste, and, in fact, it says it right there in the ingredients—and it is not the same type of material used in glitter. So again, why would they be so serious about hiding the fact that they use glitter when they already admit to having plastic in their product? 

As you can see, this conspiracy is several years old and still on the minds of many—making its way into the headlines again every so often. Because it is still an unsolved mystery, more and more theories are born out of it, especially now that it has caught the eyes of TikTokers. Some people on TikTok elaborate on the theories that it's used in the production of dollars and it has to remain secret to prevent people from making counterfeit cash. And, of course, there is the theory that it is being used in the military to make top secret weapons like bombs or even to enhance camouflage technology. 

Some TikTokers from New Jersey theorize that perhaps it has something to do with the mafia, since that state has ties to the criminal organization.

Since this article has made its round into deep and dark rabbit holes within the internet since 2018, there are many many theories—some more probable than others. But now that it's made its way onto the Gen-Z app, perhaps there will be more clues uncovered? Perhaps, this app will be the final key to revealing the truth of where the world's dwindling glitter consumption is mainly going (other than polluting our oceans…) and why it has been top secret? TikTok has discovered crazier things before.