Silica
A rheology control particle, an absorbent; an anticaking agent; a bulking agent; an opacifying agent; a nonsurfactant suspending agent.
Appearance: Super Fine white powder with high potential for becoming airborne, wear PPE when handling and avoid inhalation.
Origin: Nature Identical. Mineral.
While Silica is is naturally occuring mineral, in nature it is found bound up in forms that make it unsuitable for direct cosmetic application. Silica is most commonly found in Sand and in the soil as the crystalline mineral Quartz. Silica in the soil is utilised by plants as mono silicic acids to help them improve their drought tolerance and strength. This silica is transfered to animals (including humans) when we eat the plants and here it helps with collagen production and general growth and development. As the silica is Quartz is impossible to separate out sand (a rich source of silica) is put through several processing steps that result in the silica (Silicon Dioxide) that we are talking about here. As the resulting chemical is a pure form of what can be found in nature it is listed as 'nature identical'.
Many grades of silica exist for the cosmetic chemist to use. When these particles are made they cool to form chained aggredates rather than perfect spheres, this gives them superior thickening power over our other type of silica. Additionally, the presence of hydroxyl groups (-OH) at the surface of the silica mean it is water wetable. This is not the case for all silica particles.
Solubility: Water wetable but does not dissolve, dispersible in emulsions, oil swelling/ thickening.
Average Particle Size: This type of silica forms aggregates with an average particle size (BET Surface Area) of around 200m2/g
pH of dispersed particles in water: 3.7-4.5
Applications: Silica is useful to increase the viscosity of water-in-oil emulsions, pigmented products, dispersions and other complex mixtures. A higher than 3% level will overcome the "greasy feeling" to leave a "dry skin feel". Silica contained in foundation will absorb sweat and oils from the skin which helps the applied makeup last longer on the skin and also reduces light reflection. Silica improves the smoothness and spreading of foundations and creams.
New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. does not supply food grade raw materials and therefore cannot waive GST.
Prior to use: Customers should always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet / Specification Sheet OR the ingredients label as affixed to each product which are current at the time of supply of the product.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Individuals receiving this information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose or use.
As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of products is outside the control of New Directions Australia Pty Ltd., no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s), (including damage or injury), or the results obtained. New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. expressly disclaims responsibility as to the ordinary or otherwise use(s). Furthermore, nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. as to the fitness for any use. The liability of New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential losses.