Quick answer
Commonly used to improve the aesthetics of skin care and makeup formulations; Helps improve factors related to viscosity, opacity, absorbency, etc.; May also be used to coat sunscreen actives, creating a more elegant product; Proven track record of safety in cosmetics
Hydrated Silica
Updated
Silicic acid; synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide
Purpose
Mattifying agent that also helps create an aesthetically pleasing texture.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Texture Enhancer, Absorbent
INCI Purpose
ABRASIVE, ABSORBENT, ANTICAKING, BULKING, OPACIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Alternative Names
Hair Profile
Helps With
Suitable For
Role
Mineral abrasive. Gentle mechanical exfoliation for scalp buildup.
At a Glance
Commonly used to improve the aesthetics of skin care and makeup formulations
Helps improve factors related to viscosity, opacity, absorbency, etc.
May also be used to coat sunscreen actives, creating a more elegant product
Proven track record of safety in cosmetics
Article
Hydrated silica plays a variety of roles in skin care products, mainly centered around adjusting the aesthetics of formula. For instance, it can be used to control the viscosity and level of opacity.
In certain formulations, it can be used as an abrasive scrub particle. Other times it functions as a mattifying agent or as a skin-conditioning agent. Hydrated silica may also be used to coat mineral sunscreen actives, lending an overall more elegant texture and appearance to the formula. It’s often used with titanium dioxide for additional opacity and/or thickening of emulsions.
Technically speaking, hydrated silica is a form of silica that has additional water atoms. While its root origin is from naturally occurring minerals, it is produced synthetically for cosmetic use. It is described as a white fluffy powder in its raw material form.
In the Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessment conducted in 2019, hydrated silica was deemed safe up to 10% concentration in leave-on skin care products and 33.8% in rinse-off products.
See: Silica
References