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Ingredient deep-dive

Silica: Is It a Microplastic?

Not a microplasticCleared / not a microplastic

Not a microplastic. Silica is silicon dioxide, a mineral, chemically the same family as sand and glass. It is one of the main materials brands use to REPLACE plastic microbeads for oil absorption and soft focus.

Where it appears

  • Mattifying powders
  • Oil absorption
  • Primers
  • Toothpaste (as a mild abrasive)

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted; outside the microplastics restriction entirely as a mineral.

United States

Permitted.

Cleaner alternatives

  • No swap needed — silica is often the swap

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Silica, common questions

Is Silica a microplastic?

Borderline. Not a microplastic. Silica is silicon dioxide, a mineral, chemically the same family as sand and glass. It is one of the main materials brands use to REPLACE plastic microbeads for oil absorption and soft focus.

Is Silica banned?

EU: Permitted; outside the microplastics restriction entirely as a mineral. US: Permitted.

What can I use instead of Silica?

Cleaner alternatives include: No swap needed — silica is often the swap.

What products contain Silica?

Commonly found in: Mattifying powders; Oil absorption; Primers; Toothpaste (as a mild abrasive).

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