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SILICA

Last update on Feb 5, 2026

Also known as Silicon Dioxide, Silica is found in ample amounts in the Earth’s crust. In fact, it is the second most abundant element on Earth after oxygen and is also found in living organisms. It is either a crystal that is colorless or a white powder that is tasteless and odorless. The chemical formula of Silica is SiO2. Silica is most commonly used in cosmetic and skincare products as it improves the feel and texture of the formulations. Silica is a multi-functional ingredient and has a lot of different functions. It acts as an absorbing agent, bulking agent, anti-caking agent, and as abrasive in scrubs.

CAS Number: 7631-86-9 / 112945-52-5 / 60676-86-0Chem/IUPAC Name: Silicon dioxideEINECS/ELINCS No: 231-545-4 / 262-373-8 / -COSING REF No: 78845

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What is SILICA used for?

Silica has a range of functions in cosmetic and skin care products. Its multi-functional properties make Silica one of the most commonly used ingredients in products like lotion, sunscreens, and makeup.

  • Skin care: It acts as an exfoliating agent in skin care products like body wash and face wash because of its abrasive properties. Further, the spherical particles of silica help the products to spread out easily and evenly
  • Cosmetic products: Silica has absorbent properties that help the products to absorb excess oil and sweat from the skin. Easily spreadable, Silica does not make the makeup cakey. This ingredient is also essential in improving the texture of the product and making it bulkier

Origin

Silica is a mineral that occurs naturally on the Earth's surface in clays, sandstones, granites, and also in some parts of animals and plants. However, the Silica used in cosmetics is generally made synthetically by the combustion of silicon tetrachloride in hydrogen furnaces.

What does SILICA do in a formulation?

ABRASIVE|
ABSORBENT|
ANTICAKING|
BULKING|
OPACIFYING

Safety Profile

Silica is regarded as safe for use in cosmetics if used in small concentrations. However, a patch test is recommended prior to full application. Since it has absorbing properties, in certain skin types it can absorb too much moisture and oil, leaving the skin feeling dry. Further, this ingredient is halal and safe for the environment. It is safe for animals such as dogs as well unless ingested by them.

SILICA alternatives

SILICA technical profile

PropertyValues
Boiling Point2950°C
Melting Point1713°C
SolubilityInsoluble in water