Is Silica Powder Safe In Makeup

What Is Silica?

Silica is a mineral that occurs naturally in the body'due south processes of producing collagen and reducing inflammation. Silica is widely used in a variety of cosmetics and skincare products due to its multi-operation nature. In skincare and cosmetic formulations silica is used every bit an abrasive ingredient and to better the texture and office of the product.

Silica, also known every bit silicon dioxide, is an oxide of silicon, the 14th element on the periodic tabular array of elements. Afterward oxygen, silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth'southward crust, however, it very rarely occurs in nature as its pure grade, rather, 90% of the Globe's supply of silicon occurs as silica. You're probably most familiar with silica in the form every bit quartz, which is the most common component of sand in many parts of the world. Additionally, silica tin can exist found abundantly in sandstone, clay, and granite, as well as in parts of plants and animals. Silica is by and large colorless to white and insoluble in h2o.

In that location are many forms of silica that be in nature that are used for unlike functions.

Crystalline silica is the form used in grinding, sandblasting, masonry projects, etc, and is highly abrasive. Crystalline silica has besides been linked to a variety of wellness hazards, which nosotros volition talk over beneath in the condom section. Thus, crystalline silica is not used in cosmetics or skincare products.

Hydrated silica is another version which is a derivative of silicon dioxide. The main use for hydrated silica is in toothpastes since it is mildly abrasive, which helps to clean teeth. Additionally, hydrated silica easily forms gels, which is why this ingredient is sometimes used in liquid foundation products.

The most common grade of silica used in cosmetics and skincare products is amorphous silica. For the following discussion on the functions of silica, nosotros will be referring to amorphous silica.

What are the Best Skin Intendance Products of 2022?

the breakdown

Silica

the adept:Helps to amend the texture and feel of a formulation. Silica also helps pigment to be distributed evenly, prevent polish and help your foundation attach and stay on the skin.

the not so practiced:Silica has been linked with lung issues however this relates mostly to old manufacturing processes. This risk is relatively low nowadays as the safety protocols in identify are far more than stringent. The risk to cosmetic or skincare users is negligible.

Who is information technology for?All skin types except those that take an identified allergy to it.

Synergetic ingredients:Works well with most ingredients

Proceed an eye on:Keep in mind that there are a number of forms of silica, this determines their use. There are as well silica dietary supplements which is a whole other conversation.

What Is Silica Used For?

Silica has several different functions in corrective and skincare products, including as an abrasive in scrubs, an absorptive powder, anticaking agent, bulking agent, opacifying agent, and suspending amanuensis. It is nearly commonly used equally an absorbent because of its ability to absorb backlog wet and oil from the surface of skin. Of note, some people discover that silica can absorb too much moisture and/or oil, leaving skin feeling dry out.

Abrasive
Silica is a gentle abrasive that is frequently used in exfoliating pare care products, such as body and face scrubs. After President Obama signed a beak that banned the manufacture and distribution of products containing plastic microbeads, manufacturers turned to silica as an alternative. Some companies have fifty-fifty figured out a way to manufacture constructed silica. Products that contain silica as an abrasive will help to exfoliate the acme layers of peel, removing makeup, excess oil, dirt, and other impurities that may have accumulated during the day.

Texture and office
Silica is commonly used in cosmetic formulations considering its spherical particles not only blot sweat and oil, merely forbid light reflection and improve spreadability. Silica is besides used equally an ingredient in powder perfume considering the porous spheres enable this ingredient to deliver fragrance over a long flow of time.

Silica vs Silicones

It'south important to recognize the difference between silica and silicones, both which are found in skin care products. In contrast to silica, silicones are a group of synthetically produced polymers made up of repeating units of siloxane, elemental silicon and oxygen, combined with other elements, most typically carbon and hydrogen. Silicones have very different functions than silica.

Is Silica Prophylactic?

As mentioned higher up, the safety of silica depends on the form. Crystalline silica has been linked to a variety of health hazards, including cancer, allergies, and organ arrangement toxicity. Crystalline silica is a known respiratory, musculoskeletal, and immune arrangement toxicant, and in that location has been stiff evidence of cancer caused by products that may be aerosolized. These potential health hazards have been mitigated by the introduction of stringent prophylactic protocol to protect those involved in the manufacturing procedure. Still, it is of import to note that crystalline silica is not the same as the amorphous and hydrated silica that are used in skincare.

Baggy silica and hydrated silica do non take these same health hazards. The FDA has recognized the distinction between the types of silica and finds both amorphous and hydrated silica condom for use in cosmetics and skincare products.

Other uses

Silica has widespread industrial applications including use every bit a food condiment, equally a means to clarify beverages, control viscosity, equally an anti-foaming amanuensis, and equally a bulking agent in medications and vitamins.

The Best Skin Care Lines

Take a wait at the very best peel care products of 2021:

Formulyst
The philosophy of Formulyst is long-term and constructive skincare, rather than covering upwardly any imperfections. The comprehensive line of products tackles everything from wrinkles to dark spots and dry skin. While some brands rely on unnecessary fillers and scents, Formulyst focuses on ingredients that help create results, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Avant-garde Dermatology
The Advanced Dermatology skin intendance regimen addresses the most pressing crumbling concerns. It can exist used by men and women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond

References:
Ryu, H, et al., 2014. 'Evaluation of silica nanoparticle toxicity afterward topical exposure for 90 days', International Journal of Nanomedicine, 9 Suppl 2, 127–136.
Nafisi, S, Schäfer-Korting, M & Maibach, H, 2017. 'Measuring Silica Nanoparticles in the Pare', Agache'due south Measuring the Peel, pp. 1141-1164.