Why is the Use of Silica Surging in Personal Care and Cosmetic Products?

For a very long time, silica has been valued as a strong, naturally occurring mineral with a wide range of beneficial properties for cosmetics and personal care products, such as absorption, exfoliation, thickening, and mattifying. Amorphous silica is one such form that is widely used in powder or gel forms, while silica nanoparticles are used in anti-aging products due to their optical properties, aiding in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Some silica derivatives are synthetically processed, and this may alter their native properties. As a result, they are not desirable for personal care products, but they are still widely used in the industry. On the other hand, silica itself is not modified to the extent that it compromises its properties and further lowers the product’s efficacy.

Silica-based ingredients are gaining popularity, especially in natural and organic products, because of their origin and wide range of benefits. Several companies, such as AGC Chemicals Americas Inc., Siltech Corporation, and PQ Corporation, have announced production expansions to meet this growing demand.

Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) have been used in leave-in cosmetic products in recent years to improve the effectiveness, texture, and shelf life of the product. However, the use is still in its early stages, and regulatory bodies are scrutinizing its safety due to bioaccumulation concerns in the human body.

On the other hand, silica in micronized form is safe and effective to use. Micronized silica is becoming popular as a sustainable alternative to microplastics because it poses a risk to human health and the environment. As a result, the demand for micronized silica in natural organic products is surging and is expected to continue showing high growth in the coming years.