It’s important to recognize the difference between silica and silicones, both which are found in skin care products. Silica is also used as an ingredient in powder perfume because the porous spheres enable this ingredient to deliver fragrance over a long period of time. Silica is commonly used in cosmetic formulations because its spherical particles not only absorb sweat and oil, but prevent light reflection and improve spreadability. Products that contain silica as an abrasive will help to exfoliate the top layers of skin, removing makeup, excess oil, dirt, and other impurities that may have accumulated during the day. Some companies have even figured out a way to manufacture synthetic silica. After President Obama signed a bill that banned the manufacture and distribution of products containing plastic microbeads, manufacturers turned to silica as an alternative. Silica is a gentle abrasive that is often used in exfoliating skin care products, such as body and face scrubs.

Of note, some people find that silica can absorb too much moisture and/or oil, leaving skin feeling dry. It is most commonly used as an absorbent because of its ability to absorb excess moisture and oil from the surface of skin. Silica has several different functions in cosmetic and skincare products, including as an abrasive in scrubs, an absorbent powder, anticaking agent, bulking agent, opacifying agent, and suspending agent. There are also silica dietary supplements which is a whole other conversation. Keep an eye on:Keep in mind that there are a number of forms of silica, this determines their use. Synergetic ingredients:Works well with most ingredients Who is it for?All skin types except those that have an identified allergy to it. The risk to cosmetic or skincare users is negligible. This risk is relatively low nowadays as the safety protocols in place are far more stringent. The not so good:Silica has been linked with lung issues however this relates mostly to old manufacturing processes. Silica also helps pigment to be distributed evenly, prevent shine and help your foundation adhere and stay on the skin. The good:Helps to improve the texture and feel of a formulation. For the following discussion on the functions of silica, we will be referring to amorphous silica. The most common form of silica used in cosmetics and skincare products is amorphous silica.

Additionally, hydrated silica easily forms gels, which is why this ingredient is sometimes used in liquid foundation products. The primary use for hydrated silica is in toothpastes since it is mildly abrasive, which helps to clean teeth. Hydrated silica is another version which is a derivative of silicon dioxide. Thus, crystalline silica is not used in cosmetics or skincare products. Crystalline silica has also been linked to a variety of health hazards, which we will discuss below in the safety section. There are many forms of silica that exist in nature that are used for different functions.Ĭrystalline silica is the form used in grinding, sandblasting, masonry projects, etc, and is highly abrasive. What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2022? Silica is generally colorless to white and insoluble in water. Additionally, silica can be found abundantly in sandstone, clay, and granite, as well as in parts of plants and animals. You’re probably most familiar with silica in the form as quartz, which is the most common component of sand in many parts of the world. After oxygen, silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, however, it very rarely occurs in nature as its pure form, rather, 90% of the Earth’s supply of silicon occurs as silica. Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is an oxide of silicon, the 14th element on the periodic table of elements. In skincare and cosmetic formulations silica is used as an abrasive ingredient and to improve the texture and function of the product. Silica is widely used in a variety of cosmetics and skincare products due to its multi-functioning nature. Silica is a mineral that occurs naturally in the body’s processes of producing collagen and reducing inflammation.

Silica in skin care