Ingredient decoder

Silica: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Silica

Acne verdict Fine

Not a known pore-clogger

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Oil-absorbing powder that mattifies and blurs.

  • Abrasive
  • Absorbent
  • Anticaking
  • Bulking
  • Opacifying
  • Viscosity controlling

Silica in plain English

Silica is a mineral powder, often made into tiny round beads, that soaks up oil and gives a matte, soft-focus finish. It also thickens formulas and stops powders from caking. For oily or acne-prone skin it can help control shine, and it is not known to clog pores.

Is silica bad for acne?

Not based on the evidence we have. Silica is not a known pore-clogger. Our checker rates it as fine for acne-prone skin, so judge by how your own skin reacts.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Silica
  • Silicon dioxide
  • Silica powder
  • Amorphous silica
  • Silica microspheres

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Frequently asked questions

Is silica comedogenic?

There is no published comedogenic rating for silica in Fulton's 1989 table, and it is not known as a pore-clogger.

What does silica do in skincare?

In short: oil-absorbing powder that mattifies and blurs. In formulas it is used for abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, opacifying and viscosity controlling.

What else is silica called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, silica can also appear as Silicon dioxide, Silica powder, Amorphous silica or Silica microspheres.

Sources