Ingredient guide ›

Hydrated Silica

The polisher.

What it does

In toothpaste, it polishes teeth. In other products, it soaks up oil and gives a matte feel.

Good to know

A lab-made form of silica (silicon dioxide).

Often found in: Toothpastes, Whitening toothpastes

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• EFSA: Re-evaluation of silicon dioxide (E 551) as a food additive (2018) (Independent)
• CIR: Amended Safety Assessment of Amorphous Silica and Hydrated Silica (2025) (Industry-funded)