Fumed Silica is a synthetically produced, amorphous form of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) with a very fine particle structure and high specific surface area. In cosmetic formulations, it is used for its absorbent, anticaking, bulking, opacifying and viscosity-controlling properties. Fumed Silica is commonly associated with pyrogenic silica, meaning silica produced through a high-temperature flame process.
The standardized cosmetic ingredient name generally used for this material is Silica. Cosmetic ingredient references list 112945-52-5 among the CAS numbers associated with Silica, alongside other CAS numbers. The Korean Cosmetic Association lists Silica under CAS numbers 7631-86-9, 60676-86-0 and 112945-52-5.
COSMILE Europe describes Silica as an inorganic mineral solid and notes that synthetically produced amorphous silica is widely used in cosmetics. Its recognized cosmetic functions include abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, fragrance functional, opacifying and viscosity controlling.
Fumed Silica differs from Hydrated Silica in its manufacturing method, physical structure and typical formulation performance. Fumed Silica generally has a highly developed surface area and can strongly influence the rheology, flow and suspension properties of a formulation.
Fumed Silica is a finely divided, amorphous silicon dioxide material produced synthetically. It consists of very small primary silica particles that form aggregates and agglomerates.
Its high surface area makes it useful in formulations requiring:
COSMILE Europe identifies synthetically produced amorphous silica as an important form of silica used in cosmetics and reports applications including toothpaste, decorative cosmetics, makeup, powders, hair-colouration and hairstyling products.
Common Name: Fumed Silica
INCI Name: Silica
Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide
Chemical Formula: SiO₂
CAS Number commonly associated with Fumed Silica: 112945-52-5
Other CAS numbers associated with the INCI Silica: 7631-86-9; 60676-86-0; 112945-52-5
Chemical Class: Inorganic Oxide
Physical Type: Amorphous, finely divided silica
Origin: Synthetic/mineral-derived inorganic material
Manufacturing Type: Pyrogenic/Fumed Silica
Fumed Silica has a highly developed surface that allows it to interact with and adsorb finely dispersed substances.
COSMILE Europe identifies absorbent as a cosmetic function of Silica.
This property can be useful in:
One of the important characteristics of Fumed Silica is its ability to influence the rheology and viscosity of suitable formulations.
Fine silica particles can create a three-dimensional structure within certain liquid systems, helping control:
COSMILE Europe recognizes viscosity controlling as a cosmetic function of Silica.
The actual rheological effect depends on:
Fumed Silica can be useful in formulations where insoluble particles or pigments need to remain more uniformly distributed.
Its fine particle structure can contribute to suspension and structural stability in suitable systems.
Potential applications include:
Silica is recognized as an anticaking agent in cosmetic formulations. It can help reduce the tendency of powder particles to stick together and form lumps.
This makes Fumed Silica relevant to:
Silica is also recognized as a bulking ingredient.
Its particulate structure can influence the volume, density and physical properties of powder formulations.
Fumed Silica can contribute to opacity and reduce transparency in suitable cosmetic systems.
COSMILE Europe identifies opacifying as one of the recognized functions of Silica.
Fumed Silica can be used in selected powder formulations to improve:
Potential applications include:
Silica is used in decorative cosmetics and makeup products.
Fumed Silica can contribute to:
The appropriate silica grade should be selected according to the desired sensory and optical characteristics.
Silica is also found in hair-colouration and hairstyling products.
Depending on grade and formulation, Fumed Silica can support:
Fumed Silica can be particularly useful in certain anhydrous and oil-based systems, where its surface interactions can modify viscosity and flow.
Potential applications include:
Surface-treated grades may behave differently from untreated hydrophilic Fumed Silica and should be evaluated separately.
Fumed Silica can be available in different surface characteristics.
Hydrophilic Fumed Silica has untreated or predominantly hydrophilic silica surfaces and is commonly used where interaction with polar systems is desirable.
Hydrophobic Fumed Silica is surface-modified to reduce surface affinity for water and can be useful in non-aqueous or oil-based systems.
These materials should not automatically be considered equivalent. The exact grade should be selected based on the formulation system and required rheological performance.
Fumed Silica typically consists of extremely fine primary particles forming aggregates. Its specific surface area is one of the most important characteristics affecting formulation performance.
Higher surface area can generally result in stronger interaction with the surrounding formulation, although actual performance depends on dispersion and grade.
Important technical parameters include:
When formulating with Fumed Silica, formulators should evaluate:
Fumed Silica can generate significant viscosity changes, so laboratory testing is recommended before determining the final concentration.
Fumed Silica can be considered for:
Fumed Silica is a finely divided, synthetic, amorphous form of silicon dioxide produced through a pyrogenic process.
The commonly used INCI name is Silica. COSMILE Europe identifies Silica as silicon dioxide.
112945-52-5 is a CAS number associated with Silica and is commonly used for pyrogenic/Fumed Silica. The Korean Cosmetic Association also lists 7631-86-9 and 60676-86-0 for the standardized ingredient Silica.
Yes. Fumed Silica is synthetically produced amorphous silica.
It can be used for absorbency, anticaking, bulking, opacification and viscosity/rheology control.
Yes. Silica is used in decorative cosmetics, makeup and powder formulations.
Yes. Silica is found in hair-colouration and hairstyling products.
No. They are different silica materials with different INCI identities and physical characteristics. Fumed Silica is generally associated with synthetic pyrogenic amorphous silica, while Hydrated Silica is a separate INCI ingredient.
Yes. Silica is recognized as a viscosity-controlling cosmetic ingredient, although the actual effect depends strongly on grade and formulation.
Yes. Anticaking is a recognized cosmetic function of Silica.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |