Supplement · Minerals
Silica / silicon
Also known as: Silicon, Orthosilicic acid
Marketed for hair, skin and connective tissue on early, thin evidence.
- Evidence
- Silver· human data
- Sources cited
- 1
- Last reviewed
- 22 July 2026
Silicon (taken as silica or orthosilicic acid) is involved in collagen formation and bone matrix, which underpins its marketing for hair, skin, nails and connective tissue.
Some early human data hint at benefits to bone and collagen-rich tissues, but the evidence is thin and the cosmetic claims outpace it. It is generally well tolerated; expectations should be modest.