Fumed Silica
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INCI Name:
Silica
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Chemical Name:
Fumed Silica (Amorphous Silicon Dioxide)
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CAS Number:
112945-52-5 (Synthetic Amorphous Silica)
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Molecular Formula:
SiO₂
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Appearance:
Ultra-fine white fluffy powder
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Chemical Type:
Rheology Modifier / Thickener / Anti-Caking Agent / Oil Absorbent
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Suitable For:
Creams, Lotions, Gels, Hair Styling Products, Cosmetic Powders, Makeup, Sunscreens, Silicone Gels, Perfume Oils, and Personal Care Formulations
Key Benefits:
- Thickens oil-based and silicone-based formulations
- Improves product texture and stability
- Prevents caking in powder formulations
- Absorbs excess oil and reduces greasy feel
- Provides a smooth, silky, matte finish
- Suspends pigments and active ingredients evenly
Benefits & Uses (Short):
- Used in creams and lotions
- Ideal for silicone-based hair serums
- Suitable for makeup and face powders
- Used in sunscreen and gel formulations
- Prevents clumping in powdered cosmetics
Recommended Usage Level:
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Creams & Lotions: 0.2% – 2%
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Hair Serums (Oil/Silicone Based): 0.5% – 3%
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Cosmetic Powders: 1% – 10%
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Gel Formulations: 0.5% – 5%
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Sunscreens: 0.5% – 2%
Formulation Tip: Disperse Fumed Silica slowly into the oil or silicone phase with continuous mixing to avoid clumping and achieve a smooth, uniform texture.
How It Works (Short):
- Forms a three-dimensional network that increases formulation viscosity
- Absorbs oils while maintaining a lightweight skin feel
- Improves suspension of pigments, powders, and active ingredients
- Enhances product stability and reduces ingredient separation
- Creates a smooth, silky, and matte finish on skin and hair
- Blends exceptionally well with Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, BTMS-50, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides, and Silicone Elastomers
Key Benefits for Cosmetic Formulations:
- Premium rheology modifier
- Excellent anti-caking agent
- Improves stability and viscosity
- Reduces oily and greasy feel
- Ideal for skincare, hair care, makeup, and silicone formulations
FAQs:
Q: What is Fumed Silica used for?
A: Fumed Silica is used as a thickener, anti-caking agent, oil absorbent, and stabilizer in skincare, hair care, makeup, sunscreens, and silicone-based formulations.
Q: Is Fumed Silica the same as Silica?
A: Fumed Silica is a highly purified synthetic amorphous silica with an extremely fine particle size. It differs from natural mineral silica in its manufacturing process and performance characteristics.
Q: Can Fumed Silica be used in hair serums?
A: Yes. It is widely used in oil- and silicone-based hair serums to adjust viscosity, improve stability, and reduce greasiness.
Q: Is Fumed Silica water-soluble?
A: No. Fumed Silica is insoluble in water and is typically dispersed into the oil or silicone phase of formulations.
Q: What ingredients blend well with Fumed Silica?
A: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, Squalane, BTMS-50, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides, Silicone Elastomers, and cosmetic oils.
