Perlite
Ingredient Info
Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that has been expanded through heating, creating a lightweight, porous material. In skincare, it is used as a gentle physical exfoliant and absorbent to help remove dead skin cells and excess oil.
Benefits
- Gentle physical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells
- Oil-absorbing properties to help mattify skin
- Low microbial activity, making it a hygienic abrasive choice
Potential concerns
- Can cause excessive dryness if used alone or too frequently
- May irritate sensitive or compromised skin due to its abrasive nature
- Particle size and morphology matter—poorly optimized formulations may cause micro-tears or uneven abrasion
Science: Research on perlite in oral care shows it can effectively remove surface stains with minimal enamel wear when properly formulated, though particle size optimization is critical. Direct skincare safety data is limited; most evidence comes from dental product studies and animal bedding research, which suggests perlite alone can cause irritation and moisture loss when not combined with other ingredients.
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