Silica Gel

As opposed to the fumed Silica which is more readily available, this fine specialty material, imported from Germany by ITDF, is much lower in volume and easier to handle. A white, free-flowing powder for inclusion in your exfoliating products and more, Silica Gel is a multifunctional, revolutionary ingredient for cosmetics and personal care products. Silica is the mineral SiO₂, found in many forms including sand, quartz and glass.

Silica Gel is a synthetic, hydrated form of Silica, and should not be confused with crystalline or fumed silica. The largest buyer of this particular silica is McCormick Seasonings. Being edible, it is used to "Bulk out" powdered spices and seasonings. Silica Gel is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to "bulk out" tablets (medications/supplements). If you've taken an aspirin, you've probably eaten Silica Gel.

Silica Gel (Hydrated Silica) is a high performance abrasive that is most commonly used in toothpastes, because it appears to be the safest and most effective abrasive available. This material is insoluble in water, and therefore can be used to create a gentle exfoliating action in aqueous systems, such as Creme Cleansers, Micro-Peels, Micro-Dermabrasion products, Body Washes, Shower & Bath Gels, etc. In these applications, Silica Gel may be the highly preferred mechanical exfoliator because its micron size is so small, thereby eliminating the danger of over exfoliation or capillary damage in skin.

Silica Gel is used in many custom formulated mineral make-up powders because of its ability to absorb excess oils on skin.

Silica Gel can be used to plate oils in order to incorporate them into powdered products.

Silica Gel is very widely used in anhydrous exfoliating products, such as the traditional "Salt Scrub" because of its ability to "gel" oils, keeping them from seeping and leaking out of the package during shipment or storage.

Silica Gel can be used in combination with natural oils to create personal care products with unique deliveries such as the "Body Oil Gels" we see surfacing in retail environments like Bath & Body Works.

Silica Gel can be used to thicken the oil phase of formulations, or to cut the "greasy" feel of heavier emollients. Care should be taken to not include too much Silica Gel as it can make a product too drying.

APPLICATIONS

• Scrubs and Body Polish
• Make-Up
• Exfoliating Body Wash / Gels (without oils)
• Household Surface Cleaners (Abrasives)

• 5 TO 10% - Anhydrous Scrubs
• 2 to 30% - Exfoliating Body Wash / Gels (with oils)
• After Mixing into Oils Allow the Silica Gel to Hydrate for 10 to 45 Minutes, depending on Batch Size