Silica Microspheres

INCI Name

Silica

Botanical Name

None

Silica Microspheres are cosmetic-grade spherical silica particles used to improve texture, oil absorption, and light diffusion in formulations. They provide a soft, silky feel and mattifying effect, enhancing both skincare and makeup products.

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Primary Function
Mineral/Pigment
Add'l Function
Absorbent
Scent Profile
Odorless
Neutral
Is It Natural?
Naturally Identical Mineral (Lab-Refined)
Formulate with Confidence

Botanical Building Blocks for Every Blend

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Skin Type Suitability

All
Oily
Combination
Sensitive
Mature
Baby/Child Safe
Considered Safe for Babies
Considered Safe for Teens
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Typical Product Use

Absorbent, texture enhancer, mattifying agent, light diffuser, bulking agent

Product Type(s):

Powder
Makeup
Cream
Serum
Primer

Typical Usage Range:

1–15% in powders; 0.5–5% in emulsions and creams

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Supportive Qualities

Provides a soft-focus effect to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, improves slip and spreadability in powders and creams, absorbs excess oil for a matte finish; widely used in color cosmetics and skincare for a silky texture

Primary Components:

Amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO₂) microspheres

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Important to Know

Generally recognized as safe; avoid inhalation of fine silica dust; non-crystalline cosmetic-grade silica is considered non-toxic

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Sourcing Tips

Preferred Extraction Method:

Synthetic amorphous silica (precipitated or fumed) formed via controlled hydrolysis of silicates

Use only cosmetic-grade amorphous silica (not crystalline quartz); microsphere grades provide better texture and light-diffusing properties

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More information*

Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:

Cosmetics Info
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
EWG's Skin Deep
INCIDecoder
SkinSAFE
SpecialChem

*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.