1. Thickening and stabilizing effects
Principle
Fumed silica has a three-dimensional network structure and a huge specific surface area. In cosmetic formulas, it can absorb a large amount of liquid ingredients, such as water and oil in lotions and emulsions. This adsorption can increase the viscosity of the system and have a thickening effect. For example, in some transparent gel cosmetics, fumed silica can make the originally highly fluid liquid have a certain consistency and form a stable gel structure.
For lotions and creams, fumed silica can prevent the separation of the oil phase and the water phase of the emulsion. It can adsorb on the surface of the emulsion droplets to form a protective film to prevent the aggregation of the emulsion droplets. Like a small guard, it stably guards the structure of the emulsion and ensures that the product remains uniform and consistent during storage and use.


Application cases
In some high-end essence products, in order to make the essence adhere to the skin better and not flow away quickly due to gravity during use, an appropriate amount of fumed silica is added to thicken it. At the same time, in the oil-water dispersion system of sunscreen, fumed silica can ensure that the sunscreen ingredients are evenly dispersed in the system, and the sunscreen effect will not be affected by the separation of the oil phase and the water phase.


2. Adsorption and oil control effect
Principle
The high specific surface area of fumed silica gives it excellent adsorption performance. In cosmetics, it can absorb oil on the surface of the skin. When applying cosmetics containing fumed silica, it is like a small "oil-absorbing sponge" that can absorb excess oil secreted by the skin and keep the skin refreshed.
For consumers with oily skin, this oil control effect is particularly important. It can reduce the oiliness of the skin and prevent oil from clogging pores by absorbing oil, thereby reducing the incidence of skin problems such as acne and pimples.


Application Cases
In some oil-control toners and loose powders, fumed silica is one of the important ingredients. For example, in loose powder, fumed silica can absorb oil on the surface of the skin, while allowing the loose powder to better fit the skin and provide a matte makeup effect. In oil-control toner, it can quickly absorb newly secreted oil after cleaning the skin to keep the skin fresh.


3. Improve skin feel
Principle
Fumed silica can make the texture of the product more delicate in cosmetics. It can fill the gaps between other ingredients in cosmetics, making the product feel smoother when applied. When applying cosmetics containing fumed silica, it can reduce the friction between the product and the skin, giving the user a soft and silky touch.
Moreover, fumed silica can help cosmetics spread better on the skin. It is like a small "lubricant" that allows the product to be evenly distributed on the skin surface instead of accumulating in a local area.


Application Cases
In some high-end creams and lotions, the addition of fumed silica can make the texture of the product softer and more delicate. When consumers use it, they can clearly feel that the product is easier to push, and the skin feels more comfortable after application without stickiness. In foundation products, fumed silica can help the foundation spread better on the facial skin, making the makeup more natural.


4. UV protection
Principle
Fumed silica has a certain scattering and reflection effect on ultraviolet rays. When ultraviolet rays hit the cosmetic coating containing fumed silica, it can change the propagation direction of ultraviolet rays and reduce the intensity of ultraviolet rays reaching the skin. Although its sun protection ability is not as good as professional chemical sunscreens, it can be used as an auxiliary sunscreen ingredient to enhance the overall sun protection performance of cosmetics.


Application Cases
In some day creams and plain creams with sunscreen functions, fumed silica works synergistically with other sunscreen ingredients (such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc.). It can improve the product's protection against ultraviolet rays to a certain extent and provide more comprehensive protection for the skin. At the same time, in some cosmetics that have added sunscreen ingredients such as natural plant extracts, fumed silica can make up for the lack of sunscreen ability of these natural ingredients.