A widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
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.
Dispersing,
Dispersing
Dispersing – ensures the even distribution of particles.
Dispersing,
Dispersing
Dispersing – ensures the even distribution of particles.
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.
Silica is a widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as sand found on beaches. One common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, this bulking agent can effectively thicken cream style products.
Another function of silica is its ability to act as an absorbent, which means that a lotion containing silica might have a lightweight, non-greasy application due to the silica.
As far as safety goes, silica is not a safety concern when found in skincare products. Some may be concerned about the particle size of some silicas and being able to pass through the skin barrier.
However, the particles used in cosmetics are too large to pass through.
Science
1
Fruijtier-Pölloth, C. "The toxicological mode of action and the safety of synthetic amorphous silica—A nanostructured material." Toxicology. 2012. 294: 61-79.
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