SILICA SILYLATE (Silica silylate) – function in cosmetics

A water-repellent modified silica.

What it is

Silica silylate is amorphous silica treated with trimethylsilyl groups, which makes its surface water-repellent. CosIng lists it as anticaking, antifoaming, bulking, emollient, emulsion stabilising, skin conditioning and viscosity controlling.

Where it is used

Found in powders, foundations, primers, dry shampoos and oil-based products, where it can thicken oils and give a matte finish.

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.

Functions

Anticaking

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

Antifoaming

Suppressing foam during manufacturing or reducing the tendency of finished products to generate foam.

Bulking

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

Skin conditioning – emollient

Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.

Emulsion stabilising

Helping the process of emulsification and improving emulsion stability and shelf-life.

Skin conditioning

Maintaining the skin in good condition.

Viscosity controlling

Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

SILICA SILYLATE

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (95)