Silica

The Basics On Silica

What is Silica?

Mineral found abundantly in sandstone, clay, and granite.

What are other names for Silica?

SILICON DIOXIDE, AMORPHOUS SILICA, AMORPHOUS SILICA GEL; AMORPHOUS SILICA GEL; DIATOMACEOUS EARTH, CALCINED; DIATOMACEOUS EARTH, CALCINED; SILICA; SILICON DIOXIDE; SILICON DIOXIDE; SILICON DIOXIDE (AMORPHOUS); SILICON OXIDE, AMORPHOUS SILICON OXIDE HYDRATE, FUMED SILICON DIOXIDE, ROSE ABSOLUTE, SILICA, SILICA, AMORPHOUS, SILICIC ANHYDRIDE, SILICON DIOXIDE, SILICON DIOXIDE, FUMED, SPHERON P-1000, and SPHERON PL-700

What is Silica used for?

Silica can also be produced synthetically and is used as an absorbent powder and thickening agent in cosmetics. Certain forms of silica can improve even distribution of pigments in cosmetics and prevents them from settling in makeup. Silica particles can enhance the absorption of other ingredients.

How Silica is classified

Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Absorbent

Recommendations for using Silica during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Limited data suggests no known risk

 

Silica During Pregnancy

What we know about using Silica while pregnant or breastfeeding

Limited information available.

Calcium Silicate (250 to 1600 mg/kg) had no discernible effect on nidation or on maternal or fetal survival in rabbits.2 Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (6000 mg/kg) had neither a teratogenic nor adverse effects on the mouse fetus. Distributed for comment only — do not cite or quote Female rats receiving 20% Kaolin diet exhibited maternal anemia but no significant reduction in birth weight of the pups was recorded. Zeolite produced no adverse effects on the dam, embryo, or fetus in either rats or rabbits at any dose level (74 or 1600 mg/kg). Zeolite had no effect on female rat reproductive performance. Rats given Sodium Silicate (600 and 1200 ppm of added Silica) in the drinking water in reproductive studies produced a reduced number of offspring; 67% of controls at 600 ppm and to 80% of controls at 1200 ppm.3 Three adult rats injected intratesticularly and subcutaneously with 0.8 mM/kg of Sodium Silicate showed no morphological changes in the testes and no effect on the residual spermatozoa in the ductus deferens. Silica No adverse reproductive effects were reported in a dietary study of Silica (500 mg/d) in rats.70 Male and female rats (n=40) were fed the test material for 6 months. After 4.5 months, 5 females were mated. Litter size, birth weights, morphology, and development of offspring were similar to controls. In another study, pregnant female mice were fed up to 1340 mg/kg Silica for 10 days (specific gestation days not provided).70 There were no effects on nidation or on maternal or fetal survival. Fetal abnormalities were similar to controls. The same results were reported for rats (up to 1350 mg/kg for 10 days), hamsters (up to 1600 mg/kg for 5 days) and rabbits (up to 1600 mg/kg for 13 days). In a subchronic dietary study that also investigated reproductive effects, Silica (500 mg/kg/d) was administered to female Wistar rats (number not reported) for 6 months.28 The female rats were mated with male rats at weeks 8 and 17. The male rats were also consuming 500 mg/kg/day. The rats were weighed periodically, blood sampled monthly (except during pregnancy), and observed daily. The progeny from both matings were examined for abnormalities. At 6 months, the rats were killed and necropsied except for 5 rats which had a 3 week treatment-free period prior to being killed and necropsied. Reproductive performance was similar between groups. Pathological examination revealed no differences between the groups. At the first mating, 6 control and 9 treatment dams became pregnant; 7 from each group became pregnant at the second mating. There were no treatment-related effects in litter size, birth weight, physical parameters, or behavior. Development of progeny during lactation was without adverse effects; weight gains were normal. No treatment related effects were found during gross pathology. The authors conclude that the oral NOEL was > 500 mg/kg for developmental and reproductive toxicity.28

General safety info about Silica from CIR

No report found.

Use this, not that!

Products where you might find Silica

100% Pure Bamboo Blur Powder, RMS Beauty “Un” Powder; MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation, bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15