Ingredient review
Diatomaceous Earth
INCI: SOLUM DIATOMEAE
A natural, gritty powder that gently scrubs away dead skin and soaks up excess oil, but can be too harsh for sensitive or broken skin.
In plain English
Diatomaceous earth is a soft, chalky powder made from the crushed skeletons of tiny sea creatures called diatoms. In skincare, it works like a fine sandpaper to physically buff away dead skin cells and absorb oil, leaving skin smoother and less shiny. Because it's gritty, it's best used in wash-off products like scrubs or masks, and you should be gentle to avoid micro-tears.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Diatomaceous Earth can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Diatomaceous Earth.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A naturally occurring, siliceous sedimentary rock that is ground into a fine powder. It consists of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae.
How it works
The microscopic, sharp-edged particles physically abrade the skin's surface when rubbed, helping to dislodge dead skin cells and debris. Its porous structure also absorbs excess sebum and moisture, making it useful in oil-control and mattifying products.
Pros
Effective physical exfoliant
The fine, gritty texture helps manually slough off dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion without harsh chemicals.
Natural oil absorber
Its porous structure soaks up excess sebum, making it a great addition to masks or powders for oily or combination skin types.
Cons and cautions
Potential for irritation
The abrasive particles can cause micro-tears or redness if used too aggressively or on sensitive skin, leading to inflammation.
Not suitable for all skin types
Dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin may find diatomaceous earth too harsh, worsening flakiness or irritation.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin looking for physical exfoliation
- Those who prefer natural, mineral-based ingredients
Use caution if
- Individuals with sensitive, inflamed, or broken skin
- Anyone with a compromised skin barrier or active acne lesions
Usage tips
Safety summary
Diatomaceous earth is safe for topical use in cosmetics when formulated correctly. However, its abrasive nature means it can irritate sensitive or damaged skin. Avoid inhalation of the dry powder, as it can cause respiratory irritation.
Research notes
Studies on diatomaceous earth in cosmetics are limited, but its physical exfoliating and absorbent properties are well-documented in dermatological literature. Most evidence comes from its use in industrial and agricultural contexts, with cosmetic safety based on particle size and purity.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
- Regulatory status
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics when used as intended; the FDA does not specifically approve cosmetic ingredients but requires them to be safe for their intended use.
- Common uses
- Face scrubs, Body scrubs, Masks, Powder formulations
- Environmental note
- Diatomaceous earth is mined from ancient lakebeds, a non-renewable resource, but it is abundant and has a relatively low processing footprint.
Good to know
- Diatomaceous earth used in cosmetics is typically 'amorphous' silica, which is less hazardous than crystalline silica.
- It is often labeled as 'Solum Diatomeae' on ingredient lists.
- Food-grade diatomaceous earth is not the same as cosmetic-grade; always use products formulated for skin.
Common questions
What is Diatomaceous Earth in beauty products?
Diatomaceous earth is a soft, chalky powder made from the crushed skeletons of tiny sea creatures called diatoms. In skincare, it works like a fine sandpaper to physically buff away dead skin cells and absorb oil, leaving skin smoother and less shiny. Because it's gritty, it's best used in wash-off products like scrubs or masks, and you should be gentle to avoid micro-tears.
What does Diatomaceous Earth do in a beauty product?
The microscopic, sharp-edged particles physically abrade the skin's surface when rubbed, helping to dislodge dead skin cells and debris. Its porous structure also absorbs excess sebum and moisture, making it useful in oil-control and mattifying products.
Is Diatomaceous Earth safe for most people?
Diatomaceous earth is safe for topical use in cosmetics when formulated correctly. However, its abrasive nature means it can irritate sensitive or damaged skin. Avoid inhalation of the dry powder, as it can cause respiratory irritation.
Who should be careful with Diatomaceous Earth?
Individuals with sensitive, inflamed, or broken skin Anyone with a compromised skin barrier or active acne lesions
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.