Hydrated Silica as a Substitute in Cosmetics

Precipitated silica: also known as hydrated silica, activated silica, precipitated silica, and precipitated hydrated silica.

English name: silica (silicon dioxide).

Molecular formula: SiO2·nH2O;

CAS number: 7631-86-9.

Silica is a general term for white powdered, X-ray amorphous silicic acid and silicate products, primarily including precipitated silica, fumed silica, ultrafine silica gel, and aerogel, as well as powdered synthetic aluminum silicate and calcium silicate. Silica is a porous material whose composition can be expressed as SiO2 * nH2O, where nH2O exists as surface hydroxyl groups. It is soluble in caustic alkali and hydrofluoric acid, but insoluble in water, solvents, and acids (except hydrofluoric acid). It is heat-resistant, non-flammable, tasteless, and odorless, and has excellent electrical insulation properties.

Plastic microbeads have been banned due to environmental concerns, and silica is widely used as a superior cosmetic ingredient.

Silicon dioxide is a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) ingredient in personal care products such as cosmetics and sunscreens. Its spherical shape, small particle size, and high porosity make it an anti-caking agent and thickener in cosmetics. It can improve storage stability and the dispersibility of powdered products. It is widely used in applications such as dispensing pigments in lipsticks and cosmetics, improving the free-flow properties of hair bleach, and enhancing the coating properties of nail polish.

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