Evidence supporting the use of: Silicic Acid
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Silicic acid, a bioavailable form of silicon, is incorporated into some skincare products based on both its chemical properties and emerging scientific evidence. Silicon is an essential trace element involved in the synthesis of collagen, a major structural protein in skin. Several studies suggest that silicon supplementation—often as orthosilicic acid—can improve skin strength, elasticity, and hydration. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Archives of Dermatological Research (2005) found that women who took a bioavailable silicon supplement for 20 weeks had improved skin surface characteristics and reduced brittleness of hair and nails.
Mechanistically, silicic acid is thought to support the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, both important for skin structure and hydration. However, most research involves oral supplementation rather than topical application; there is limited direct evidence supporting the efficacy of topical silicic acid in skincare. Nevertheless, its inclusion in formulations is justified by its role in skin physiology and the positive outcomes seen in oral supplementation studies.
Overall, while silicic acid’s use in skin care is supported by a moderate level of scientific evidence, particularly for oral forms, more robust and targeted studies—especially for topical application—are needed to confirm its efficacy and optimal use in dermatology.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Silicic Acid
Broken BonesCartilage Damage
Fingernails (weak or brittle)
Hair (loss or thinning)
Injuries
Osteoporosis
Skin Care (general)
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles