silica

AKA: SILICON DIOXIDE, Dioxosilane, 7631-86-9, Silicic anhydride, Diatomaceous silica, Wessalon, Zorbax sil, Amorphous, Colloidal
Synthetic
Not Clean
OriginDerived from silicon dioxide (SiO₂), a naturally occurring mineral compound found in sand and quartz deposits. Produced through high-temperature processing of silica-rich minerals or synthetic precipitation from sodium silicate solutions.
Silica is another name for the chemical compound composed of silicon and oxygen with the chemical formula SiO2, or silicon dioxide. There are many forms of silica. All silica forms are identical in chemical composition, but have different atom arrangements. Silica compounds can be divided into two groups, crystalline (or c-silica) and amorphous silica (a-silica or non-crystalline silica). c-Silica compounds have structures with repeating patterns of silicon and oxygen. a-Silica chemical structures are more randomly linked when compared to c-silica. All forms of silica are odorless solids composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. Silica particles become suspended in air and form non-explosive dusts. Silica may combine with other metallic elements and oxides to form silicates.
Solubility Insoluble (NIOSH, 2024)
Formula
O2Si
Mol. Weight
60.08
CAS #
7631-86-9, 112945-52-5, 60676-86-0
Form
Powder
State
Transparent to gray, odorless powder. Irritating to the skin and eyes on contact. Inhalation will cause irritation in the respiratory tract. [Note: Amorphous silica is the non-crystalline form of SiO2
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Oiliness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Abrasive
Absorbent
Anticaking
Bulking
Opacifying
Viscosity Controlling
Fights Acne
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 466 and 769)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
7 studies / 3 irritating / 2 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions slight to mild (CIR 466 and 769)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
5 studies / 1 irritating / 2 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions slight to mild / plus 1 case report (CIR 466 and 769)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0001–82%
Rinse-off0.000005–21%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2018 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR