What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth, also known as D.E., diatomite, or kieselgur/kieselguhr, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It is made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. The chemical composition of Diatomaceous Earth is primarily silica, but it also contains a small amount of alumina and iron oxide.
The use of Diatomaceous Earth dates back to the ancient Greeks who used it to make building materials, such as bricks and blocks. However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that this unique substance found its way into the cosmetic industry. This was largely due to its abrasive properties, which made it an effective ingredient in products like toothpaste and facial scrubs.
Diatomaceous Earth is made by mining the sedimentary deposits that are formed from the accumulation of diatom frustules, which are the microscopic, biologically produced silica shells of diatoms. The mined material is then processed into a fine powder that can be used in various cosmetic products.
While there are other abrasive materials used in the cosmetic industry, such as aluminum oxide and pumice, Diatomaceous Earth is unique due to its origin from ancient diatoms. This gives it a unique, fine texture that is not found in other abrasive materials. Furthermore, unlike some other abrasives, Diatomaceous Earth is not synthetically produced, making it a more natural choice.
Diatomaceous Earth is typically used in products that require an abrasive, anti-caking, bulking, or opacifying agent. This includes a wide range of products such as facial scrubs, toothpastes, deodorants, and even some hair care products. Its fine texture makes it an effective exfoliant, while its anti-caking properties help to improve the texture and consistency of products. Additionally, its bulking and opacifying properties can enhance the appearance and feel of cosmetic products.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Diatomaceous Earth:
1. Abrasive
Diatomaceous Earth is used as an abrasive in many cosmetic products. This means it can help to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin looking fresh and rejuvenated. It’s often found in facial scrubs and body exfoliators for this reason. The tiny, sharp particles of Diatomaceous Earth work to gently buff away the surface layer of skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing the newer, healthier skin underneath.
2. Anticaking
Another official function of Diatomaceous Earth is its anticaking properties. In the world of cosmetics, this means it helps to prevent the ingredients in a product from clumping together and forming hard lumps. This is particularly important in products like powders, where a smooth, even texture is crucial for application. By acting as an anticaking agent, Diatomaceous Earth ensures that your cosmetic products maintain their intended consistency and performance.
3. Bulking
Diatomaceous Earth also serves as a bulking agent in cosmetic products. This means it helps to increase the volume of the product without significantly changing its other properties. This can make a product more cost-effective, as it allows for a larger volume of product to be produced with the same amount of active ingredients. It also helps to improve the texture and spreadability of certain products, making them easier to apply.
4. Opacifying
Lastly, Diatomaceous Earth is used as an opacifying agent in cosmetics. This means it increases the opacity or reduces the transparency of a product. This is often desirable in products like foundations or concealers, where a certain level of coverage is needed to hide skin imperfections. By increasing the opacity of these products, Diatomaceous Earth helps to enhance their coverage and effectiveness.
Please note that these benefits are exclusively based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Diatomaceous Earth. There may be other benefits and uses that go beyond the scope of these official functions, but for the purpose of this article, we have focused on the direct benefits as per the CosIng Database.
Safety Profile
Diatomaceous Earth is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. However, like any other cosmetic ingredient, it should be used with caution. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, but it’s always a good idea to check the product label for any additional ingredients that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
While Diatomaceous Earth is not known to cause severe allergic reactions, some potential side effects of topical application may include:
- Minor skin irritation
- Dryness of the skin
- Redness or inflammation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – There is currently insufficient data on the safety of topical usage of Diatomaceous Earth during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As always, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Adverse reactions or side effects from Diatomaceous Earth are not common, but individual reactions can vary. It is always recommended to do a patch test before using any new product widely on your skin.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The analysis was conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, using sources that include the CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), as well as other various publicly available sources.
