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Silica

What Silica is & what it does

A mineral powder used to absorb oil and give a soft, matte, less-tacky finish. In sunscreens it improves spreadability and can reduce the greasy feel of oil-based filters.

What does Silica do in sunscreen?

Silica is a fine mineral powder used to absorb excess oil, give a smooth, "blurred" finish, and cut greasiness or shine. It is a big part of why some sunscreens feel dry-touch or matte.

Is Silica safe?

Yes. The amorphous silica used in cosmetics is inert and considered safe on skin. It is different from crystalline silica, the industrial dust that is a respiratory hazard.

Does Silica clog pores?

No. Silica is non-comedogenic and is actually used to mattify and absorb oil. Very high amounts can feel drying, but it does not block pores.

Is Silica natural?

Silica occurs widely in nature as quartz and sand, but the amorphous silica used in cosmetics is purified or synthesised into a fine, safe, consistent powder. So it is a nature-based mineral, processed for cosmetic use.

Is Silica safe to use during pregnancy?

The amorphous silica used in cosmetics has no known pregnancy concern. It is an inert mineral powder that absorbs oil and smooths texture on the surface.

Sunscreens with Silica

We rate 2832 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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