Silica
More safety information:
CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel reveiwed data indicating that inhaling large doses of amorphous Silica can result in irritation of the respiratory tract. Once inhalation exposure to Silica stops, Silica is removed from the respiratory tract, and recovery is observed. Long-term oral exposure to Silica has not resulted in any adverse effects, including effects on reproduction and development. Amorphous Silica is not genotoxic or carcinogenic. When placed on the skin, Silica is not irritating, nor does it result in sensitization.
Based on the available data, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Silica, Hydrated Silica, Alumina Magnesium Metasilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Aluminum Iron Silicates and Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate were safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products.
FDA: Link to Code of Federal Regulations for Silica and silica compounds
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
Silica, Hydrated Silica, Alumina Magnesium Metasilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Aluminum Iron Silicates and Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive:
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/documents/di...
Based on the available data, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Silica, Hydrated Silica, Alumina Magnesium Metasilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Aluminum Iron Silicates and Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate were safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products.
FDA: Link to Code of Federal Regulations for Silica and silica compounds
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
Silica, Hydrated Silica, Alumina Magnesium Metasilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Aluminum Iron Silicates and Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive:
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/documents/di...
More scientific information:
Silica can absorb moisture from the air. Therefore, packets of Silica are often kept with items that must be kept in a low moisture environment.
A common use of Silica in cosmetics and personal care products is as an abrasive. Abrasives are used in cosmetics to remove unwanted cells or foreign materials from various body surfaces. The removed materials may include dead skin surface cells, callus, or dental plaque. Generally, abrasives are irregular shaped fine or coarse solids. Harder abrasives include special forms of Hydrated Silica uses for tooth cleansing, while softer abrasives, such as oatmeal are used to remove dead skin surface cells.
A common use of Silica in cosmetics and personal care products is as an abrasive. Abrasives are used in cosmetics to remove unwanted cells or foreign materials from various body surfaces. The removed materials may include dead skin surface cells, callus, or dental plaque. Generally, abrasives are irregular shaped fine or coarse solids. Harder abrasives include special forms of Hydrated Silica uses for tooth cleansing, while softer abrasives, such as oatmeal are used to remove dead skin surface cells.
