HYDRATED SILICA (Hydrated silica) – function in cosmetics

A mild abrasive and thickener, especially in toothpaste.

What it is

Hydrated silica is silicon dioxide containing bound water. In toothpaste it acts as a mild abrasive that helps remove stains and plaque, and as a thickener.

Where it is used

Found mainly in toothpastes; also in scrubs and powders.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

The abrasiveness of a toothpaste depends on the type and amount of silica, which the label does not show.

Functions

Abrasive

Removing unwanted tissue or foreign materials from various body surfaces, including mechanical tooth cleaning and/or gloss improvement.

Absorbent

Taking up water- and/or oil-soluble (dissolved or finely dispersed) substances.

Anticaking

Preventing agglomeration of particulate solids into lumps or hard masses (cohesive cake), thus allowing free flow of particles.

Bulking

Non-reactive (chemically inert), solid ingredients that dilute other solids and/or increase the volume of cosmetic products.

Opacifying

Reducing transparency or translucency of cosmetics.

Viscosity controlling

Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

HYDRATED SILICA

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (908)