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SkinCited

Silicon (Silica) for Hair, Skin & Nails Health

C

An RCT found ch-OSA (10 mg/day for 20 weeks) improved skin roughness and hair brittleness. Silicon supports collagen cross-linking, though evidence is mostly limited to proprietary ch-OSA.

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            C

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
An RCT found ch-OSA (10 mg/day for 20 weeks) improved skin roughness and hair brittleness. Silicon supports collagen cross-linking, though evidence is mostly limited to proprietary ch-OSA.

            
            
        

    











    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
4

        
Studies

    

    

        
220

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        C

        
Grade

    




        


        
        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
10-25 mg/day bioavailable silicon

                    

                    
                    

                        
skinhairnails:

                        
5-10 mg ch-OSA per day

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: Not established; generally well-tolerated
                

                
            

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: On an empty stomach or with meals
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Generally well-tolerated
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (rare)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            No significant drug interactions documented
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    

                        Tolerable upper intake: Not established; generally well-tolerated
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Silicon (Silica) help with Hair, Skin & Nails Health?
            
        
        

            Based on 4 studies with 220 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that Silicon (Silica) may support Hair, Skin & Nails Health management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Silicon (Silica) should I take for Hair, Skin & Nails Health?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 10-25 mg/day bioavailable silicon. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Silicon (Silica)?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Generally well-tolerated, Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (rare). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Silicon (Silica) and Hair, Skin & Nails Health?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 4 peer-reviewed studies with 220 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Related Evidence





            

                
                

                    
Other ingredients for Hair, Skin & Nails Health

                    

                        
                        
                            Biotin
                            C

                        
                        
                        
                            Keratin
                            D

                        
                        
                    

                

                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    












    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.