Common Names: Silica, Precipitated Silica
Function: Flow agent, anti-caking agent, mild abrasive
EWG Rating: 2 (Low Concern)
What It Is
Hydrated silica is a naturally derived mineral compound made from silicon dioxide (SiO₂), the same material found in sand and quartz. It appears as a fine white powder and is commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
In cleaning and laundry formulations, hydrated silica acts as a supportive, non-reactive ingredient that helps manage powder flow and consistency.
What It Does in Laundry
In Orchard’s detergent and booster formulas, hydrated silica helps:
- Prevent clumping: Keeps the powder dry, loose, and easy to dispense.
- Ensure dosing accuracy: Reduces moisture absorption, improving consistency in each scoop or sachet.
- Improve shelf life: Contributes to the long-term stability of dry powder formulations.
It does not contribute directly to cleaning but plays an important role in product texture, usability, and storage.
Safety and Environmental Profile
- Biodegradability: Inorganic; not biodegradable but environmentally stable.
- Human safety: GGenerally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use. Low risk of irritation in rinse-off products.
- Environmental impact: Low. Does not bioaccumulate or present aquatic toxicity risks in detergent use levels.
Source and Production
Hydrated silica is produced through a precipitation process, where sodium silicate (a compound derived from sand) is combined with a mineral acid to form a soft, non-crystalline silica gel. This gel is then purified, filtered, and dried into a fine powder.
The process does not involve petrochemical source materials or hazardous solvents, and the resulting material is chemically inert, non-toxic, and naturally derived from abundant mineral sources. Hydrated silica is widely used in food, cosmetics, and cleaning products due to its stability and safety profile.
This profile is part of Orchard’s Ingredient Glossary, written to provide information on every component we use.