Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

HYDRATED SILICA.

Valuable CAS 10279-57-9 / 1343-98-2 / 7631-86-9 / 112926-00-8 / 63231-67-4 / ABRASIVE, ABSORBENT, ANTICAKING, BULKING, OPACIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Hydrated Silica is a mineral compound prized in skincare for its multi-faceted actions. It effectively refines skin texture through gentle exfoliation, manages excess oil for a matte finish, and optimizes product formulation by enhancing texture and stability.

Summary

abrasive/exfoliant absorbent anticaking bulking agent opacifying viscosity controlling pore minimizing moisture stabilizer soft-focus agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This inert mineral functions as a mild physical abrasive, delicately removing dead skin cells and impurities to promote smoother, healthier-looking skin. Its significant absorbent capabilities help control excess oil and sebum, providing a desirable mattifying effect and reducing shine. Beyond direct skin benefits, Hydrated Silica serves as a crucial formulation aid: it acts as a thickening and viscosity-controlling agent to improve product feel and spreadability, prevents clumping in powdered products (anticaking), and contributes to product bulk. Additionally, it can create an opacifying effect, minimize the appearance of pores, stabilize moisture within formulations, and impart a soft-focus visual blurring effect on fine lines and imperfections.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range ≤50%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 The CIR Expert Panel deemed Hydrated Silica safe in leave-on skin care products at concentrations up to 10% and in rinse-off products up to 33.8%, provided formulations are non-irritating.
  2. 02 SpecialChem indicated that Hydrated Silica is safe and well-tolerated by all skin types at concentrations up to 50%, though a patch test is recommended.
  3. 03 Human Repeat Insult Patch Tests (HRIPT) on cosmetic products containing Hydrated Silica up to 7% reported no instances of skin sensitization.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Unknown
Optimal pH 7 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Hydrated Silica is generally insoluble in water and most solvents but can be effectively dispersed in aqueous systems. It exhibits chemical inertness, ensuring broad compatibility with diverse cosmetic ingredients, including active botanicals, vitamins, and emulsifiers. It also functions as a moisture stabilizer, aiding in product consistency.

Synergies

  • Active botanicals
  • Vitamins
  • Emulsifiers

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
50%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that synthetically-manufactured amorphous Silica and Hydrated Silica are safe when formulated to be non-irritating. While CIR specified maximums of 10% for leave-on and 33.8% for rinse-off products, general usage is considered safe up to 50%. It is critical to note that the safety assessment for nano forms remains inconclusive due to insufficient data, with a reassessment requested by SCCS in 2025; non-nano forms are generally considered safe. Hydrated Silica is also recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food use by the FDA.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Hydrated Silica is a highly valuable, broadly compatible ingredient offering effective skin exfoliation, oil management, and significant benefits for product texture and stability.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…