Cosmetic-grade silica is a next-generation, high-purity synthetic silica filler in a spherical or irregular shape. It has a highly reactive functional silanol group on the surface, which makes it easy to bond chemically with many materials. It has various applications across industries, including cosmetics, building and construction, automotive, and others.
The demand for cosmetic-grade silica is growing as the cosmetic industry is booming across the globe. In the skincare segment, the spherical silica works as a natural exfoliant (abrasive agent), helps makeup adhere better to the face, provides a matte finish (opacifying agent), absorbs oil and sweat, helps foundation spread onto the skin (bulking agent), thickens the consistency of creams and lotions, improves the distribution of pigments (anticaking agent), and works as a suspending agent as well. Due to these benefits, cosmetic industry manufacturers are utilizing cosmetic grade silica in their products, resulting in the cosmetic grade silica market’s growth.
Segments
The cosmetic-grade silica market is divided on the basis of type, product, and application. Based on type, the market is subdivided into medium pore volume, high pore volume, and non-porous silica. Out of these types, medium pore volume silica is expected to witness the highest CAGR growth of 8.2% during the forecast period. Based on product, the market is subdivided into powder, lotion/cream, and others such as gel and oil, of which the others segment will have the highest market share between 2022 and 2028. Further, based on application, the market is subdivided into lips, eyes, face, and others such as hair, nails, and teeth care.
Recent Developments
The market players, such as AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc., Koninklijke DSM N.V., Making Cosmetics, Inc., ABC Nanotech, Evonik Industries AG, and Nikko Chemicals, among others, are assisting in the market’s growth via various mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and investments. Some of the recent developments in the market include:
• In July 2022, as part of the Hydroveda series, AVYA Skincare introduced three new products inspired by nature called the Daily Detox Clay Mask, Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 40, and Daily Milk Cleanser. The Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 40 contains ingredients such as silica, Water (Aqua), Butyloctyl Salicylate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, and others.
• In May 2022, Tokuyama Corp. increased the capacity of production of hydrophobic grade fumed silica at its wholly owned subsidiary, Tokuyama Chemicals (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., in order to satisfy market demand.
• In April 2022, Cosmos Technical Center Co., Ltd. and Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd. reached an agreement. Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd. is able to grow its clientele and improve services due to the partnership.
• In September 2021, Merck increased its business capacity by investing about $28.53 million in the establishment of a second production line for silica-based effect pigments in Germany.
Conclusion
The market for cosmetic grade silica is expanding as a result of many major causes, including rising preservative booster consumption in the production of lotions, moisturizers, and cleansers, as well as shifting attitudes regarding the health of one's skin. According to the second annual US Cosmetics Study conducted by TABS Analytics, millennial women (ages 18 to 34) are the most avid purchasers of beauty products in the $13 billion cosmetics industry. Skin care was the most frequently purchased beauty category across all age groups. Additionally, there are several silica capsules on the market that can help maintain healthy hair, including Holland & Barrett Vegan Silica Complex 90 Tablets, which are safe for vegans and vegetarians. Aside from this, small silica particles might be employed to heal damaged teeth and to whiten teeth. Personal care product producers are using hydrated silica in toothpaste to provide abrasiveness. Whitening toothpaste containing abrasive chemicals, such as hydrated silica, removes stains from the surface of the teeth, increasing silica consumption. Due to these growing end-use applications, the cosmetic grade silica market will grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2023–2029), according to OMR Research