What Is Wollastonite?

Learn about the abrasive characteristics of Wollastonite and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Wollastonite? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Wollastonite?

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Calcium metasilicate, also known as wollastonite, is a type of solid material that looks like glass and comes in different colors such as white, cream, brown, red, gray or yellow. It is often used in cosmetics as an abrasive substance that helps to remove dead skin cells or other impurities from the skin's surface.

What is the purpose of Wollastonite in personal care products? It is used for its abrasive characteristics. Wollastonite physically removes unwanted substances.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Wollastonite, Calcium metasilicate, and EC 237-772-5.

What Are Abrasive Ingredients?

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Wollastonite has abrasive characteristics.

Abrasive ingredients are commonly found in exfoliating cosmetic products, which are designed to remove dead skin cells and impurities from the surface of your skin. These ingredients work by physically scrubbing away the top layer of your skin, revealing the fresh, new skin underneath. These ingredients can come in the form of powders, beads, or granules. Exfoliating helps to improve the texture and tone of your skin, leaving it looking brighter, smoother, and more radiant. It can also help unclog pores, prevent acne breakouts, and increase the effectiveness of other skincare products.

Abrasives are also commonly used in toothpaste and other dental cleaning products to help remove surface stains and plaque from teeth. Abrasives work by physically scrubbing the surface of the teeth to remove debris and stains.

Abrasive ingredients, in general, physically scrub and scour surfaces to remove dirt, grime, and other unwanted materials. When you use a cleaning product with abrasive ingredients, you'll often feel a gritty texture as you apply it. This texture is what allows the product to work effectively. As you scrub, the abrasive particles work to break down and dislodge dirt, grease, and other materials from the surface you're cleaning.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.