Mineral

Silica

Microscopic silica beads are the secret to the mattifying and pore-blurring effect in primers and powders. Silica absorbs excess skin oil, diffuses light for a soft focus effect, and provides a silky texture.

Mattifyingpore blurringsoft focusOil absorption
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Silica (Silicon Dioxide, SiO₂) — a mineral that is present in cosmetics in the form of amorphous microspheres or powder. Sizes: 2-20 microns. High porosity ensures oil absorption. Spherical shape — sliding and soft focus. In INCI: Silica or CI 77811 (silver-coated). Brand version: AEROSIL (Evonik).

Mattifying and pore-blurring agent in primers, powders, foundations, and mattifying moisturizers. Also a texturizing agent in loose powders.

Key Benefits

Mattifying and sebum absorption
The porous structure of microspheres absorbs excess skin oil — products with silica maintain a matte appearance for 6-8 hours after application.
Soft focus pore-blurring effect
Spherical microparticles diffuse light in all directions — blurring the visibility of pores and fine skin irregularities (optical blurring), the "Instagram filter" effect in real life.
Silky texture without greasiness
The best dry slip agent — provides smooth application and a silky dry texture of the finished product without clumping and greasy feeling.

Suitable for

Oily skinCombination skinSkin with enlarged pores

Main Actions

✓ Mattifying✓ pore blurring✓ soft focus✓ Sebum absorption✓ Silky texture
Silica vs Tapioca Starch vs Nylon

Silica (mineral) — best oil absorption and soft focus. Tapioca Starch (natural) — good mattifying, COSMOS, less effective. Nylon-12 (synthetic) — ideal spherical shape for blurring, but not mineral. Premium formulas often combine all three.

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