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Silicon Dioxide (Silica)

MacsChem > Nutraceutical Ingredients > Silicon Dioxide (Silica)

What is Silicon dioxide?

Silicon dioxide, also called silica, is an oxide of silicon having the molecular formula SiO2. Naturally found in fish, eggs, milk, alfalfa, green leafy vegetables, and brown rice in crystalline form. Silicon dioxide is essential for bone mineralisation, collagen synthesis, and the development of connective tissues. 

Its amorphous form is widely used in supplements, powdered food products, and pharmaceutical formulations due to its water-holding capacity, anti-caking, and anti-clumping properties. Its colloidal form is also used in the beverage industry as a stabilizer and clarifying agent.

Chemical structure of silicon dioxide (SiO2), also called silica

CAS No.: 7631869

Synonyms: Dioxosilane, Silicic anhydride, Silicone dioxide, Diatomaceous silica, E 551

Properties of Silicon dioxide 

Physical Properties
IUPAC NameDioxosilane
Chemical  formulaO2Si, SiO2
Molecular weight 60.084 g/mol
Solubility

Insoluble in Water, mineral acids and organic solvent

Soluble in Strong alkalies

Density 2.2 g /cm³
Flash  point2230°C
Sensitive Hygroscopic
Chemical Properties
Color

White or colorless

StateSolid
Boiling point2230 °C
Melting point1,600° C
pH5-8 
Storage temp.2-8°C

Application of Silicon dioxide

Food and Beverage Applications

  • In Beverage Clarification – Used as a fining agent in wine, beer, and juice to remove suspended particles and improve clarity.
  • In Dietary Supplements – Commonly added to protein powders and meal replacements to improve flowability and prevent clumping.
  • Processed Meat and Dairy Products – Enhances the stability of seasoning blends in products like sausages and milk powders by preventing ingredient separation and improving texture.
  • Salt and Seasonings – Absorbs excess moisture, keeping salt and spice blends dry, non-clumpy, and easy to sprinkle.
  • Protein Powders – Maintains powder consistency by preventing moisture-induced lump formation.
  • Coffee Creamers – Prevents solidification in powdered creamers, ensuring a smooth and silky consistency when mixed.
  • Baking Mixes and Cake Mixes – Enhances flowability and mixing uniformity in pre-packaged baking blends.
  • Spice Blends – Keeps herb and spice mixtures fine, dry, and lump-free for easy application.
  • Instant Soups and Sauces – Improves solubility and texture in instant mixes such as gravies and soups.

Personal Care and Pharmaceutical Applications

  • Toothpaste – Used as a mild abrasive to aid in plaque removal and tooth cleaning.
  • Cosmetics – Found in creams, lotions, and foundations for its absorbent and light-diffusing properties, giving products a smooth finish.
  • Biomedical Applications – Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) are being explored as effective carriers in advanced pharmaceutical research.

Side Effects 

Silicon dioxide is generally well tolerated and recognised as safe by the FDA when used in food-grade forms and recommended amounts.

However, some individuals may experience side effects, such as –

  • Mild allergic reactions (rash or facial swelling) 
  • Upset stomach
  • Leaky gut syndrome
  • Hypoglycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes.

Industrial exposure to crystalline silica (not food-grade ) can cause serious health issues like silicosis over long periods. 

Pictograms :

Pictogram mark of exclamation

Hazard Statements :

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction.

H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Precautionary statements :

P261: Avoid breathing dust, fumes, gas, mist, vapors, or spray.

P272: Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.

P273: Avoid release to the environment.

P280: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection.

P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.

P333+P313: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.

What is Silicon dioxide?

Silicon dioxide, also called silica, is an oxide of silicon having the molecular formula SiO2. Naturally found in fish, eggs, milk, alfalfa, green leafy vegetables, and brown rice in crystalline form. Silicon dioxide is essential for bone mineralisation, collagen synthesis, and the development of connective tissues. 

Its amorphous form is widely used in supplements, powdered food products, and pharmaceutical formulations due to its water-holding capacity, anti-caking, and anti-clumping properties. Its colloidal form is also used in the beverage industry as a stabilizer and clarifying agent.

Chemical structure of silicon dioxide (SiO2), also called silica

CAS No.: 7631869

Synonyms: Dioxosilane, Silicic anhydride, Silicone dioxide, Diatomaceous silica, E 551

Properties of Silicon dioxide 

Physical Properties
IUPAC NameDioxosilane
Chemical  formulaO2Si, SiO2
Molecular weight 60.084 g/mol
Solubility

Insoluble in Water, mineral acids and organic solvent

Soluble in Strong alkalies

Density 2.2 g /cm³
Flash  point2230°C
Sensitive Hygroscopic
Chemical Properties
Color

White or colorless

StateSolid
Boiling point2230 °C
Melting point1,600° C
pH5-8 
Storage temp.2-8°C

Application of Silicon dioxide

Food and Beverage Applications

  • In Beverage Clarification – Used as a fining agent in wine, beer, and juice to remove suspended particles and improve clarity.
  • In Dietary Supplements – Commonly added to protein powders and meal replacements to improve flowability and prevent clumping.
  • Processed Meat and Dairy Products – Enhances the stability of seasoning blends in products like sausages and milk powders by preventing ingredient separation and improving texture.
  • Salt and Seasonings – Absorbs excess moisture, keeping salt and spice blends dry, non-clumpy, and easy to sprinkle.
  • Protein Powders – Maintains powder consistency by preventing moisture-induced lump formation.
  • Coffee Creamers – Prevents solidification in powdered creamers, ensuring a smooth and silky consistency when mixed.
  • Baking Mixes and Cake Mixes – Enhances flowability and mixing uniformity in pre-packaged baking blends.
  • Spice Blends – Keeps herb and spice mixtures fine, dry, and lump-free for easy application.
  • Instant Soups and Sauces – Improves solubility and texture in instant mixes such as gravies and soups.

Personal Care and Pharmaceutical Applications

  • Toothpaste – Used as a mild abrasive to aid in plaque removal and tooth cleaning.
  • Cosmetics – Found in creams, lotions, and foundations for its absorbent and light-diffusing properties, giving products a smooth finish.
  • Biomedical Applications – Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) are being explored as effective carriers in advanced pharmaceutical research.

Side Effects 

Silicon dioxide is generally well tolerated and recognised as safe by the FDA when used in food-grade forms and recommended amounts.

However, some individuals may experience side effects, such as –

  • Mild allergic reactions (rash or facial swelling) 
  • Upset stomach
  • Leaky gut syndrome
  • Hypoglycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes.

Industrial exposure to crystalline silica (not food-grade ) can cause serious health issues like silicosis over long periods. 

Pictograms :

Pictogram mark of exclamation

Hazard Statements :

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction.

H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Precautionary statements :

P261: Avoid breathing dust, fumes, gas, mist, vapors, or spray.

P272: Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.

P273: Avoid release to the environment.

P280: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection.

P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.

P333+P313: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.

FAQ's

Silicon dioxide is gluten-free and is commonly used in gluten-free processed food items as an anti-caking agent.

Silicon dioxide is chemically inert under normal conditions. It does not react with water, acids, most chemicals, making it highly stable and safe in food, supplements, and packaging materials.

Silicon dioxide is considered safe for dogs and is used in dog food. However, it can cause digestive issues in dogs, like vomiting and diarrhea.

Silicon dioxide and silica (SiOâ‚‚) are the same compound. Silicon dioxide is the formal chemical name, while silica is the common name that exists in many different forms.

Food-grade silicon dioxide is safe and widely used in processed food products and supplements. It is recognised as safe by the FDA. However, inhaling crystalline silica dust in industrial settings is hazardous and can lead to respiratory issues.

Solid and food-grade silicon dioxide is not classified as hazardous. However, prolonged inhalation of fine crystalline silica can pose a serious health risk, including silicosis.

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