Potassium Silicate is an inorganic silicate compound composed of potassium, silicon and oxygen. It is generally represented by the formula K₂O·nSiO₂, where the silica-to-potassium oxide ratio can vary according to the grade. Potassium Silicate is commercially available in different forms, including aqueous solutions, powders and solid silicate materials.
In suitable cosmetic and personal-care formulation systems, Potassium Silicate can provide alkalinity, buffering, pH adjustment and silicate functionality. Its exact properties depend on the silica-to-potassium oxide ratio, concentration, physical form and manufacturing process.
Potassium Silicate is particularly relevant to specialty formulation systems where controlled inorganic silicate chemistry is required. Because it is alkaline, formulators should carefully evaluate the final formulation pH, concentration and compatibility with other ingredients.
Potassium Silicate is a potassium salt of silicic acid and is commonly represented as:
K₂O·nSiO₂
The value of n varies according to the commercial grade.
Potassium Silicate can provide:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Potassium Silicate |
| INCI Name | Potassium Silicate |
| Chemical Class | Inorganic Silicate |
| General Formula | K₂O·nSiO₂ |
| Physical Form | Solution / Powder / Solid, grade-dependent |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy solution or white/colourless solid, grade-dependent |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water for suitable grades |
| pH | Alkaline |
| Main Functions | pH Adjustment, Buffering, Formulation Support |
| Main Applications | Specialty Cosmetic and Personal-Care Formulations |
CAS No.: 1312-76-1
INCI Name: Potassium Silicate
EC No.: 215-199-1
The exact characteristics of Potassium Silicate depend on the silica-to-potassium oxide ratio and the commercial grade.
Potassium Silicate is generally represented by:
K₂O·nSiO₂
It does not necessarily correspond to one fixed molecular composition across all commercial products.
The SiO₂/K₂O ratio can influence:
Therefore, the exact commercial grade should be selected according to the intended formulation.
Suitable Potassium Silicate grades can be considered for specialty cosmetic and personal-care formulations where silicate chemistry or controlled alkalinity is required.
Potential formulation functions include:
The appropriate concentration must be determined through formulation development and applicable regulatory requirements.
Potassium Silicate solutions are generally alkaline.
This property can be useful in specific formulation systems but requires careful control of:
Potassium Silicate should therefore be used according to the technical specifications of the selected grade.
Suitable Potassium Silicate grades are soluble in water.
The resulting solution characteristics can vary according to:
Different grades may therefore exhibit different viscosity, clarity and alkalinity.
Potassium Silicate can provide binding and inorganic silicate functionality in suitable technical systems.
Depending on the application, it can contribute to:
These properties are highly dependent on grade and application.
When using Potassium Silicate, formulators should evaluate:
Potassium Silicate may interact with certain:
Compatibility testing should therefore be performed before incorporation into a finished formulation.
Suitable Potassium Silicate grades may be considered for:
Application suitability depends on the exact grade, concentration and applicable cosmetic regulations.
Potassium Silicate is an inorganic silicate compound containing potassium, silicon and oxygen, generally represented as K₂O·nSiO₂.
The commonly referenced CAS number is 1312-76-1.
The INCI name is Potassium Silicate.
Depending on grade and application, it can provide pH adjustment, buffering, binding and silicate functionality.
Suitable Potassium Silicate grades are soluble in water, although properties vary with the SiO₂/K₂O ratio and concentration.
Yes. Potassium Silicate solutions are generally alkaline.
No. Potassium Metasilicate is a specific potassium silicate composition, whereas Potassium Silicate is a broader material designation.
Specific grades may have selected cosmetic or personal-care applications. Suitability depends on grade, concentration, formulation and applicable regulations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |