Silica (Amorphous, Cosmetic)
The question

Is Silica (Amorphous, Cosmetic) safe in foundation?

ClearedFoundation

Synthetically manufactured amorphous silica used as a texture modifier, absorbent, and anti-caking agent. The CIR Expert Panel confirmed safety at cosmetic use concentrations. Silica does not penetrate skin and has no systemic toxicity in topical use.

What the research flags

  • Inhalation risk with loose powder forms — aerosolized particles may irritate airways
  • Distinct from crystalline silica (a known occupational carcinogen) — cosmetic-grade is amorphous

Regulatory
Crystalline silica: IARC Group 1 carcinogen via inhalation

Other foundation ingredients on file

Sources & references

  1. [1]
    DatabaseIngredient database — 705911-SILICA
  2. [2]
    Peer-reviewedPubMed / NCBI — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · ref 22349641
  3. [3]
    DatabaseIngredient database

Research disclaimer: Ratings reflect peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments available at the time of publication, not the dose or formulation of any specific foundation product. This is not medical advice.