What is Zirconium Silicate?
Zirconium Silicate, also known as zirconium orthosilicate or silicic acid, zirconium(4+) salt, is a naturally occurring mineral derived from zircon sand. Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates and it is a source of the metal zirconium. Its chemical formula is ZrSiO4, which denotes a compound of zirconium, silicon, and oxygen.
The use of Zirconium Silicate in cosmetics can be traced back to the early 20th century when it was first discovered that this ingredient had unique properties that made it suitable for use in personal care products. The process of making Zirconium Silicate involves the extraction of zirconium from zircon sand, which is then combined with silicon and oxygen under high temperatures to form the final product.
Zirconium Silicate is often compared to other abrasive and opacifying ingredients used in cosmetics, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. However, what sets Zirconium Silicate apart is its unique combination of properties. It is not only an effective abrasive, helping to remove dead skin cells and impurities, but it also has opacifying properties, meaning it can give products a more opaque appearance.
Typically, Zirconium Silicate is used in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products. These include but are not limited to, facial and body scrubs, toothpaste, and makeup products like foundations and concealers. Its abrasive property makes it a key ingredient in exfoliating products, while its opacifying nature is useful in products that require a certain level of opacity for aesthetic or functional reasons.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Zirconium Silicate.
Abrasive
Zirconium Silicate is officially recognized as an abrasive ingredient in cosmetics. In layman’s terms, this means it is used to help scrub away dead skin cells and other impurities from the surface of the skin. This is particularly beneficial in exfoliating products, such as facial scrubs and body washes, where it aids in the removal of dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking fresher and healthier.
Opacifying
Another official function of Zirconium Silicate is as an opacifying agent. This means it is used to make a product less transparent or more opaque. In cosmetics, this is particularly useful in products like foundations, concealers, and other makeup items where a certain level of coverage is desired. By adding Zirconium Silicate, manufacturers can increase the opacity of these products, helping to better conceal blemishes and even out skin tone.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Zirconium Silicate. There may be other benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond these official functions. However, for the purpose of this article, we are focusing on the direct benefits provided by its official roles as an abrasive and opacifying agent.
Safety Profile
Zirconium Silicate, also known as zirconium orthosilicate or silicic acid, zirconium(4+) salt, is not a banned or heavily regulated ingredient in cosmetics. However, it is always crucial to use it in the recommended amounts to ensure safety and avoid potential side effects.
As an abrasive and opacifying agent, Zirconium Silicate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It is not known to be a common allergen and is suitable for most skin types. However, like any cosmetic ingredient, individual reactions can vary, and it may not be suitable for everyone.
Potential side effects of topical application of Zirconium Silicate may include:
- Minor skin irritation
- Redness
- Dryness
- Sensitivity
These side effects are not common and are usually associated with overuse or misuse of products containing Zirconium Silicate. As always, it is recommended to perform a patch test before using any new product on a larger skin area to ensure no adverse reaction occurs.
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, whose sources include 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.
