Organic Silicon: What Are the Benefits?

Organic silicon refers to a bioavailable form of silicon, a trace element essential to human life. Found naturally in many tissues (skin, bones, tendons, cartilage, hair, nails), it plays a central role in the structure of connective tissue. Unlike the poorly absorbable mineral silica, organic silicon is a soluble form that can be used for cosmetic or nutritional purposes, particularly in the form of OSA.

Silicon is a chemical element abundant in the Earth’s crust, primarily in the form of silicates and silica. However, these mineral forms are poorly absorbed by the body. In cosmetics and supplementation, it is organic silicon that is sought after for its beneficial effects. This refers to compounds containing silicon bonded to at least one carbon atom. 

The main forms used are:

• Monomethylsilanetriol (MMST): This is a true organic compound containing a carbon atom. It is considered the standard form of organic silicon in cosmetics and dietary supplements due to its good tolerability and its ability to support collagen and keratin production.

• Stabilized orthosilicic acid (OSA): although it does not contain a carbon atom, it is often grouped under the term “organic silicon” in common usage due to its solubility and high bioavailability. Chemically, it is a mineral form of silicon, but it is biologically active.

In these forms, silicon is able to easily penetrate cell membranes, allowing it to act directly at the heart of the tissues. Its action is based on stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin, as well as keratin. This makes it a key active ingredient in skin regeneration, combating sagging skin, strengthening hair and nails, and protecting against aging. Natural sources of silicon include plants such as field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), and brown millet. These extracts are rich in plant-based silica (i.e., mineral silica), which can be processed or combined with stabilizing agents to produce bioavailable forms of organic silicon.

The scientific literature has clearly demonstrated that orthosilicic acid (OSA) is absorbed at rates of up to 35%, compared to only 1 to 4% for mineral silica forms such as colloidal silica or magnesium trisilicate, which are much less soluble. This improved absorption makes soluble forms such as MMST or OSA particularly attractive for topical or nutritional applications. The biological role of silicon is supported by several physiological hypotheses. It is thought to contribute to the stabilization of collagen fibers, bone mineralization, and the integrity of the epidermis. Studies have shown that OSA promotes increased collagen density and improves skin elasticity in mature women, such as those with skin that has undergone skin aging.

Finally, organic silicon acts indirectly as a cellular protector. It is thought to play a role in oxidative metabolism and the transport of certain ions, although these mechanisms are still under investigation.

Organic silicon is known for its restructuring and fortifying effects on the skin, hair, and nails. It works on several levels:

For the skin:

• Improves skin elasticity by stimulating the production of collagen andelastin, two fibers essential for skin firmness.

• Strengthens cellular cohesion and supports the structure of the dermis, thereby limiting sagging and loss of firmness with age.

• Promotes skin hydration through improved water retention in connective tissues.

• Supports tissue regeneration by promoting the proliferation of fibroblasts, which are essential for wound healing and skin renewal.

For hair:

• Stimulates hair growth, particularly through its indirect role in the synthesis of keratin, the primary protein in the hair shaft.

• Strengthens hair structure, making the strands more resistant to mechanical and environmental stress.

• Reduces breakage and split ends, by increasing the cohesion of the hair’s outer cuticle.

• Adds natural shine, a sign of better overall hair health.

For nails:

• Strengthens brittle nails by stimulating keratinization.

• Reduces breakage and splitting by providing better nutrition to the cells responsible for nail growth.

Delphine is a biological engineer specialising in cosmetology. Passionate about cosmetics for almost ten years, she began making her own skincare products with Aroma-Zone ingredients to address her skin concerns. She then trained as a cosmetologist before creating her own bespoke cosmetics brand to address each person’s individual skin concerns.