A form of silicone dioxide, the major component of sand, that contains varying amounts of water. It has several purposes but is most commonly used as an abrasive (as an eco-conscious alternative to polyethylene microbeads).
Functions
Abrasive,
Abrasive
Abrasives 'physically' exfoliate the skin (i.e., manually remove dead skin cells) by rubbing against its surface.
Abrasive,
Abrasive
Abrasives 'physically' exfoliate the skin (i.e., manually remove dead skin cells) by rubbing against its surface.
Absorbent,
Absorbent
Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin.
Absorbent,
Absorbent
Absorbent – soaks up excess oil from the skin.
Anticaking,
Anticaking
Anticaking – prevents the formation of clumps.
Anticaking,
Anticaking
Anticaking – prevents the formation of clumps.
Bulking,
Bulking
Bulking – increases the volume of a product.
Bulking,
Bulking
Bulking – increases the volume of a product.
Opacifying,
Opacifying
Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products.
Opacifying,
Opacifying
Opacifying – reflects light and creates opaque products.
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin
Naturally occurring
Naturally occurring
These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.
Naturally occurring
Naturally occurring
These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.
Overview
Hydrated silica is a form of silicone dioxide, the major component of sand, that contains varying amounts of water.
This ingredient has several purposes but is most commonly used as an abrasive. Hydrated silica is an eco-conscious alternative to polyethylene microbeads as an exfoliant, and it is useful for achieving softer, smoother skin through the physical removal of dead skin cells from the skin surface.
In addition, hydrated silica can be used to control viscosity through thickening or to opacify products that would otherwise be clear or translucent. This ingredient can also serve as a bulking agent, an absorbent, and an anticaking agent.