Hydrated Silica: What Is This Powder on the Label?
Arin Editorial · how this is made
You may see "Hydrated Silica" on your toothpaste or an exfoliating cleanser. It sounds like a lab product, but its raw material is the same as sand.
A Powder from Sand
Hydrated Silica is the INCI name for silicon dioxide. This is the main component of sand. "Hydrated" means it holds water molecules in its structure. It is synthesized for cosmetics and added as a fine white powder. Some silicates in the same family are natural minerals, but this form is usually synthetic.
What Do the Safety Data Say?
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel assessed the silica and silicate family as a whole. The evaluation included skin and eye irritation tests on animals. Some silicate derivatives, like sodium silicate, were irritating at high concentrations. But silicon dioxide itself is not absorbed through the skin. The panel found these ingredients safe for cosmetic use.
Its Role in Formulas
It is added to formulas to give density and consistency. It also helps clean surfaces due to its mild abrasive nature, as in toothpaste. This makes it a cheap and versatile filler.
CIR evaluated the silica and silicate family and found it safe for use in cosmetics.
Seeing Hydrated Silica on a label is not a problem. However, you may want to avoid toothpastes with high abrasivity to protect enamel. If you have sensitive skin, choose formulas with fine powder over coarse scrubs.
Sources
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): Safety Assessment of Silica and Silicates
- Personal Care Products Council (INCI)