Silica for Oil-Based Formulations

Regarding your question about using Silica in oil-based formulations, the MatteSilica™ you previously used is designed primarily to absorb oil and is not soluble in oil. It should be dispersed in the water phase if your formula contains water.

For formulations that are primarily oil-based or contain significant oil/silicone phases, there are other types of Silica that are more suitable for thickening, gelling, or providing specific textures within the oil phase.

Here are some suitable types and how to use them:

• Oil-Fix™ O (Oil Gelling, Silica Dimethyl Silylate): This type is specifically designed to thicken or gel oils and glycols. It can be dispersed directly into the oil, silicone, or hydrocarbon phase of your formulation.
• Oil-Fix™ S (Silicone Gelling, Silica Dimethyl Silylate): Similar to Oil-Fix™ O, this type is designed for thickening/gelling in silicone or mineral oil. Disperse it directly into the oil, silicone, or hydrocarbon phase.
• Oil-Fix™ Eco (Silicone/Oil/Water Gelling, Silica): This type can thicken/gel oils, silicones, and water. It should be dispersed into the phase containing oil, silicone, or hydrocarbons.
• SiliSilk™ WO (Water/Oil Dispersible Silicone Powder): This silicone powder coated with silica is dispersible in both water and oil. You can mix it directly into your formula and blend until dispersed.
• UltraBlur™ (Skin Blurring Silica): While this silica provides a blurring effect and can withstand heat, if your formula contains oil, it is generally recommended to mix it into the water phase or add it in the final step after the cream is formed, rather than dispersing it directly into oil alone for optimal performance.

Mixing Method:

Unlike MatteSilica™, the suitable types like Oil-Fix™ O, S, and Eco, and SiliSilk™ WO are designed to be dispersed directly into the oil, silicone, or hydrocarbon phase of your formulation. You do not need to mix them with water first.

Heat Resistance:

The suitable Oil-Fix™ types and UltraBlur™ are generally stable and can withstand the heat typically used in standard cosmetic formulation processes.

In summary, choose a Silica type specifically designed for oil or silicone dispersion, such as the Oil-Fix™ range or SiliSilk™ WO, and disperse it directly into your oil/silicone phase according to the product's instructions.