Core Difference Analysis of Evonik SIPERNAT Series and SPHERILEX Silica Grades

Created on 03.28

Core Difference Analysis of Evonik SIPERNAT Series and SPHERILEX Silica Grades

All grades featured are precipitated hydrated silica, with the identical INCI Name of Hydrated Silica and unified CAS Number 112926-00-8 (formerly 7631-86-9). Their core shared advantages include being an eco-friendly alternative to microplastic beads, chemically inert properties, and non-bioaccumulative characteristics. The core differences across grades are concentrated in four key dimensions: particle size & particle characteristics, physicochemical properties, compliance level, and application scenarios. Among these, particle size is the most critical indicator that determines the product positioning and exfoliation intensity.

1. Side-by-Side Comparison of Core Technical Parameters

Grade	Median Particle Size d50	Key Physicochemical Indicators	pH Value	Core Particle Characteristics	Microbial Limit	Core Compliance Certifications	Core Positioning
SIPERNAT® 22 PC	120μm	BET Specific Surface Area 190m²/g, DOA Adsorption Value 235ml/100g, SiO₂ ≥97%, Loss on Drying ≤7.0%	6.5	Porous sponge-like structure, high adsorption capacity, fine-size exfoliating particles	Total Aerobic Count ≤300CFU/g, Yeast & Mold ≤100CFU/g, Negative for Pathogens	HACCP, FAMI-QS, Registered in Major Global Markets	Precision Facial Exfoliation + Active Ingredient Carrier
SIPERNAT® 2200 PC	320μm	BET Specific Surface Area 190m²/g, DOA Adsorption Value 225ml/100g, SiO₂ ≥97%, Loss on Drying ≤7.0%	6.0	Spherical particles, low fine powder content, medium-to-strong exfoliation power with balanced adsorption capacity	Total Aerobic Count ≤300CFU/g, Yeast & Mold ≤100CFU/g, Negative for Pathogens	HACCP, FAMI-QS, Registered in Major Global Markets	Routine Body Exfoliation, Workhorse Grade for Body Wash & Body Cleansing Formulations
SIPERNAT® 250 PC	180-480μm	Loss on Drying ≤7.0%	6.0-7.5	Mildly friable particles, gradual breakage during friction, gentle and non-irritating	Total Aerobic Count ≤1000CFU/g, Yeast & Mold ≤300CFU/g, Negative for Pathogens	GMP, ISO9001, COSMOS, Kosher, Halal	Gentle Facial Exfoliation for Sensitive Skin
SIPERNAT® 9000 PC	550-850μm	Loss on Drying ≤7.0%	6.0-7.5	High-rigidity rounded particles, high hardness, shatter-resistant, long-lasting exfoliation effect	Total Aerobic Count ≤1000CFU/g, Yeast & Mold ≤300CFU/g, Negative for Pathogens	GMP, ISO9001, COSMOS, Kosher, Halal	High-Strength Body Exfoliation, Exclusive for Thick Callus Areas
SPHERILEX® Silica	4-10μm	Oil Absorption Value 30-100ml/100g, BET Specific Surface Area 10-300m²/g	4-9	Perfectly spherical particles, smooth surface, no exfoliating feel, wide customizable range	No cosmetic-grade microbial limit specified	Registered in Major Global Markets	Full-Scene Multifunctional Spherical Silica, Non-Exfoliating Applications

Infographic comparing Evonik SIPERNAT and SPHERILEX silica grades

2. Detailed Breakdown of Core Differences by Dimension

2.1 Particle Size and Exfoliation Intensity (Core Differentiator)

Particle size directly determines the exfoliation power, applicable skin areas and scenarios, serving as the core distinguishing factor for the four cosmetic exfoliation grades:

• SIPERNAT® 9000 PC: Largest particle size (550-850μm) with the highest exfoliation intensity, specialized in powerful desquamation. Only suitable for thick callus body areas such as elbows and knees, NOT for facial use.

• SIPERNAT® 2200 PC: Medium-to-large particle size (320μm), delivering distinct and uniform exfoliating sensation. Ideal for routine full-body exfoliation, the leading workhorse grade for body care formulations.

• SIPERNAT® 250 PC: Wide-range medium particle size (180-480μm), with mildly friable particles that soften gradually during friction to avoid skin scratching. The only grade focused on facial exfoliation for sensitive skin.

• SIPERNAT® 22 PC: Smallest particle size (120μm) among exfoliating grades, with a precision exfoliating feel. Suitable for routine facial exfoliation without damaging delicate facial skin.

• SPHERILEX® Silica: Ultra-fine particle size (4-10μm), with absolutely no exfoliating capacity, occupying a completely separate product category from the four exfoliating grades above.

Illustration of silica grades with features and applications

2.2 Differences in Physicochemical Properties and Functions

• Adsorption and Carrying Capacity: SIPERNAT® 22 PC and 2200 PC feature a porous sponge-like structure with a high specific surface area (190m²/g), whose adsorption value far exceeds other grades. In addition to exfoliation, they can act as carriers for essential oils and active ingredients in formulations, balancing oil control and active delivery. SIPERNAT® 250 PC and 9000 PC focus on physical exfoliation performance, with weak adsorption capacity and no additional carrying function. SPHERILEX® Silica offers the highest flexibility, with adjustable specific surface area to meet diverse adsorption and rheology requirements.

• Particle Hardness and Durability: SIPERNAT® 9000 PC has the highest hardness, with rigid and shatter-resistant particles for long-lasting exfoliation effect, suitable for high-cleansing power and long-acting exfoliation formulations. SIPERNAT® 250 PC has the lowest hardness, with its friable property optimized for gentle formulations. SIPERNAT® 22 PC and 2200 PC have medium hardness, balancing exfoliating sensation and adsorption capacity.

2.3 Differences in Microbial Limits and Compliance Certifications

• Purity Grade: SIPERNAT® 22 PC and 2200 PC have stricter microbial limits, with the upper limit of total aerobic count only 30% of that for SIPERNAT® 250 PC and 9000 PC, offering higher purity. They are suitable for leave-on and high-activity formulations with stricter microbial requirements.

• Premium Certification Coverage: SIPERNAT® 250 PC and 9000 PC have more comprehensive certification coverage. Beyond basic compliance, they hold COSMOS natural & organic certification, Kosher, and Halal certifications, enabling direct application in high-end global organic cosmetics and natural skincare formulations. SIPERNAT® 22 PC and 2200 PC only cover basic production compliance, suitable for standard cosmetic formulations.

2.4 Differences in Application Scenarios and Formulation Compatibility

Grade	Core Application Scenarios	Key Formulation Guidelines
SIPERNAT® 22 PC	Facial Cleansers, Precision Scrubs, Active-Infused Exfoliating Products	Typical dosage 1-3%, compatible with active ingredients, optimized for facial oil control, 2-in-1 cleansing + efficacy formulations
SIPERNAT® 2200 PC	Body Washes, Body Scrubs, Full-Body Exfoliating Products	Typical dosage 2-5%, low fine powder content to avoid uneven particle feel, optimized for mass-market body care formulations
SIPERNAT® 250 PC	Sensitive Skin Exclusive Scrubs, Pregnancy-Safe Exfoliating Products, Gentle Cleansers	Typical dosage 1-5%, pH value close to skin’s physiological pH, optimized for high-end gentle skincare and organic certified formulations
SIPERNAT® 9000 PC	Professional Line Body Scrubs, Targeted Care for Thick Callus Areas, Foot Exfoliating Products	Typical dosage 3-5%, can be combined with smaller particle sizes for layered sensory experience, optimized for high-cleansing professional line formulations
SPHERILEX® Silica	Cosmetic Sensory Modification, Tooth Cleaning & Polishing, Coating Matting, Plastic Anti-Blocking	No exfoliating property, focuses on smooth skin feel, blurring effect, and rheology modification, compatible with full range of industrial and daily chemical formulations

Visual representation of physicochemical properties of silica grades

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