LIVING SILICA® Supports Healthy Skin, Stronger Hair and Nails

The beauty-from-within category continues to expand, with increasing demand for ingredients that support skin structure, hair integrity, and nail strength through internal nutritional approaches.

The human body is perpetually engaged in a process of renewal, consistently shedding and regenerating tissues such as skin, nails, and hair on a daily basis. Scientific research indicates that this natural cycle contributes to a gradual annual decline in silica levels, approximately 1% per year, a phenomenon that notably accelerates after the age of 21. This reduction becomes particularly pronounced following menopause, during which approximately 30% of silica may be lost within a five-year period. Consequently, it is imperative to replenish silica levels to maintain overall health and well-being.

Figure 1. Reduction in Silicon Levels in the Human Body Over Time.

Bioavailable silicon has gained attention in this space due to its association with connective tissue structure, collagen networks, and extracellular matrix organization.

LIVING SILICA® provides a stabilized, bioavailable silicon source designed for integration into nutricosmetic and beauty-oriented formulations.

Silicon and Structural Components of Skin, Hair, and Nails

Silicon is naturally present in connective tissues and is associated with key structural proteins, including:

• Collagen
• Elastin
• Keratin-associated structures

Its role is linked to the organization and integrity of the extracellular matrix, making it relevant for formulations targeting skin architecture and tissue resilience.

A) Skin Structure and Extracellular Matrix Support:

Skin aging is associated with changes in the extracellular matrix, including reduced collagen density, altered elastin structure, and decreased hydration.

Bioavailable silicon is associated with:

• Collagen-related pathways
• Interaction with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
• Structural organization of dermal components

From a formulation perspective, this supports positioning in:

• Skin structure and firmness†
• Hydration-related concepts†
• Overall dermal integrity†

(See post “The Importance of Silica in Collagen Synthesis: Biochemical Mechanism”)

Figure 2. Improvement in skin imperfections, skin hydration, skin luminosity, and facial appearance using LIVING SILICA®. (Ferreira et al., 2018)

B) Hair Structure and Follicular Environment

Hair fibers are primarily composed of 90% of keratin and depend on a structurally supportive follicular environment.

Silicon is associated with:

• Collagen-rich structures surrounding the hair follicle
• Maintenance of connective tissue integrity in the scalp
• Interaction with keratin-related structures

This makes it relevant for formulations targeting:

• Hair strength and resilience†
• Structural support of the follicular environment†
• Beauty-from-within hair concepts†

C) Nail Structure and Mechanical Strength

Nails are composed of keratin matrices that require structural integrity to maintain strength and resistance.

Bioavailable silicon is associated with:

• Support of keratin-related structures†
• Maintenance of nail integrity†
• Structural resilience under mechanical stress†

This supports its inclusion in formulations targeting nail strength and appearance.

Formulation Relevance of MMST-Based Silicon

The effectiveness of silicon in beauty applications depends on its chemical form and bioavailability.

LIVING SILICA® incorporates stabilized Monomethylsilanetriol (MMST), designed to:

• Remain soluble and bioavailable
• Avoid polymerization into inactive forms
• Support consistent absorption profiles

This enables its use in a variety of delivery systems, including:

• Liquid supplements
• Powders and stick packs
• Capsules
• Functional beauty formulations

Positioning Opportunities in the Nutricosmetic Category

LIVING SILICA® enables brands to develop differentiated beauty-from-within products by:

• Complementing collagen-based formulations
• Supporting vegan and non-animal positioning
• Expanding into multi-benefit beauty concepts (skin, hair, nails)
• Aligning with clean-label and science-backed trends

This allows for more comprehensive product strategies beyond topical or single-target approaches.

Scientific Context

Research on silicon has explored its relationship with connective tissue and structural proteins involved in skin and hair biology.

Published studies suggest associations with:

• Collagen structure and extracellular matrix organization†
• Skin-related parameters such as elasticity and structure†
• Connective tissue integrity†

While further research continues to evolve, these findings support the use of bioavailable silicon forms in beauty-oriented formulations.

Figure 3. Clinical studies of Anti-Aging Effects of Monomethylsilanetriol and Maltodextrin-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid on Nails, Skin and Hair ( Ferreira et al., 2018)

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Supporting Next-Generation Beauty-from-Within Products

As the nutricosmetic category evolves, there is increasing emphasis on internal structural support and long-term tissue integrity.

Bioavailable silicon offers a complementary approach that aligns with this trend, enabling brands to develop science-backed, multi-functional beauty formulations.

Technical Documentation and Formulation Support

For specifications, scientific documentation, or formulation guidance:

• +1 (305) 779-0171 | (877) 454 2486
• lab@orgonolivingsilica.com

Or fill out our contact form to connect with our team:

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