Government name
Diatomaceous Earth
Goes by
Diatomaceous earth
The verdict
Superhero
Superpower
A fine, porous powder made from fossilised algae shells that absorbs oil and adds gentle grit.
Diatomaceous earth uses its government name every day of the week. It's made of the fossilised shells of diatoms, tiny algae whose shells are made of silica.
Superhero or supervillain?
Superhero. Its superpower is being porous. All those tiny shells give it a lot of room to soak up oil and moisture.
What it does in my skincare
Diatomaceous earth is known for absorbing oil, and its fine texture can add a very gentle exfoliating feel. It's off-white, so it doesn't add much color.
The supervillain rumor
People worry because some diatomaceous earth is used in pool filters. That kind is heat-treated (calcined), which turns much of the silica crystalline. Cosmetic and food-grade diatomaceous earth is mostly amorphous silica, a different form. Like any fine powder, it's best not to breathe in the dust while working with it.
Don’t judge an ingredient by its government name. Judge it by the science.
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