SILICA
Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a mineral naturally found in many organisms, including plants, water and rocks. This essential compound contributes to healthy bones, skin, hair and nails. In cosmetics, silica is widely used for its absorbent, mattifying and purifying properties. It helps regulate excess sebum, provides softness to the skin, and improves the texture of cosmetic products.



SILICA: The key to a pleasant texture
EXCIPIENT ⎪ TEXTURE AGENT
What is Silica?
Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a mineral naturally found in many organisms, including plants, water and rocks. This essential compound contributes to healthy bones, skin, hair and nails. In cosmetics, silica is widely used for its absorbent, mattifying and purifying properties. It helps regulate excess sebum, provides softness to the skin, and improves the texture of cosmetic products. Silica is also available as a food supplement for its benefits on the structure of connective tissues, thus strengthening hair, skin and nails.
This is a 100% natural mineral authorized in organic. It is found in sandstone, clay and granite as well as in certain parts of plants and animals.
Silica has different functions in cosmetics: an abrasive agent in toothpastes, as an anti-caking agent in powders and blushes, or as an absorbent in deodorants.
In our Happy Cycles Body Serum, it has a completely different use: it acts astexturing agent, allowing to give a pleasant consistency to the product.
Where does Silica come from?
Silica is extracted from different natural sources, mainly plants such as horsetail, bamboo, and certain varieties of algae. It is also obtained in mineral form, from quartz sediments and sand. For use in cosmetics and as a food supplement, silica is often produced in the form of a fine, light powder. Its purity and bioavailability make it a popular ingredient in beauty and health care. Silica is today used in skincare products for its absorbent and mattifying effects, and in herbal medicine for its structuring and remineralizing properties.
What are the benefits of silica?
Silica offers numerous benefits for the skin, hair, nails and the skeletal system, thanks to its absorbent, mattifying and regenerating properties. Here are the main benefits of this mineral ingredient:
- Regulation of excess sebum : By absorbing sebum, silica helps reduce shine, ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin.
- Strengthening hair and nails : As a supplement, it helps to strengthen brittle hair and strengthen fragile nails, making them more resistant.
- Improved skin elasticity : Silica promotes collagen synthesis, improving skin firmness and elasticity, beneficial for mature skin.
- Soft and uniform texture of cosmetic products : It provides a smooth, matte finish to makeup products, prolonging their wear and improving the appearance of the skin.
- Bone regeneration and maintenance : As a dietary supplement, it contributes to bone and joint health, promoting better bone structure.
How to consume Silica?
Silica is mainly used topically in skin care and as a dietary supplement for its benefits on connective tissues and the bone system. Here are the main ways to benefit from this ingredient:
- Mattifying powders and creams : In cosmetics, silica is integrated into facial powders and mattifying creams to reduce shine and mattify the skin.
- Anti-aging serums and treatments : In anti-aging care, it helps to strengthen the structure of the skin and prevent loss of elasticity.
- Gentle exfoliants : Silica is used in facial exfoliants for its slightly abrasive properties, removing dead cells without damaging the skin.
- Food supplements : In powder or capsules, silica is often consumed to strengthen nails, hair, and improve the structure of bones and joints.
- Purifying masks and treatments : In facial masks, it helps absorb excess sebum and purify the skin, ideal for combination to oily skin.
Note : Silica is well tolerated by the majority of skin types, but it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before prolonged supplementation, especially for people suffering from kidney problems. It should also be used with caution on very dry skin due to its absorbent properties.
Any side effects?
Silica is generally well tolerated, but some undesirable effects can occur, although rare:
- Skin irritations : When used topically, excessive use of products containing silica can dry the skin. It is recommended to moisturize the skin after use, especially for dry skin.
- Drying effect for hair : Applied to the scalp, silica can dry out fine or already dry hair. It should be used moderately in hair care.
- Digestive problems in case of overdose : In excessive supplementation, silica can cause digestive problems such as stomach aches or constipation. It is important to respect the recommended doses.
- Risk of pulmonary toxicity : Inhaling silica particles in powder form can be irritating to the respiratory tract. It is advisable to handle the powder with care to avoid prolonged exposure.
- Potential interactions with other supplements : Silica could reduce the absorption of certain minerals such as calcium. Consult a healthcare professional to avoid any imbalance.
Sources
The benefits of silica are well documented in cosmetic and nutritional research. This ingredient is recognized for its absorbent, mattifying, and fortifying properties, helping to improve the health of the skin, hair, nails, and bones. Studies show its effectiveness in reducing shine, strengthening connective tissues, and supporting bone strength. Silica is approved for cosmetic use and as a dietary supplement, with a high tolerability profile when used as recommended.
