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What do quartz gems, sand, bamboo and humans all have in common? We all contain silica! Discover its potential benefits and explore our top silica supplements
Our top picks
Vegan
Holland & Barrett
H&B Expert Multi Action Bone Support 120 Tablets
3 for 2 Mix & Match
£31.99
Vegan
Starpowa
Starpowa Vegan Collagen Support 60 Gummies
Buy 1 Get 1 Free
£39.99
Hydrolysed Marine Collagen
Revive Collagen
Revive Collagen Premium Liquid Marine Collagen Drink 8,500mgs 14 Sachets
3 for 2 Mix & Match
£36.99
If you’re thinking about silica supplements, you’re not alone. Who wouldn’t be drawn in by glowing skin claims and hair-growth promises?
But here’s what we know: silica is a vital mineral your body uses daily. Its beauty benefits? Still up for debate.
The good news is – you don’t have to navigate the hype alone. We’ve cut through the noise and rounded up H&B customer-loved silica picks, plus some with collagen for extra support
What is silica?
Silica is a natural compound and mineral that can be found all around the world – mostly in rocks, clays and sands.1
Ever opened a new pair of shoes, unboxed electronics, or bought a bottle of pills? Then you’ve definitely met silica gel packets – yep, they’re those tiny "do not eat" sachets used to keep things dry.
However, silica supplements are quite different. They come from silica’s water-soluble form, which is found in certain plants, including the herb horsetail.2
What are the potential benefits of silica?
Silica is an essential trace element found in our bodies. That means we only need a tiny amount, but it’s important nonetheless.
While scientists have been interested in silica for a while (since the 70s, in fact) and potential benefits are promising, more research is needed to fully understand silica's role in human health.3-5
Silica naturally occurs in healthy hair, which has led many to wonder – could it be the secret to stronger, shinier strands? While science hasn’t yet proven a direct link between silica supplements and luscious locks, some people still take them in hopes of boosting hair, skin, and nail health. Think of it as a ‘might help, can’t hurt’ approach – more of a supportive player than a miracle worker.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your regimen.
Our top silica supplements – as chosen by you
Although you can get silica through some types of food (like whole grains, fruit and veg), some people may choose to use silica supplements to support the role of silica in their body.11,12
From tablets to gummies and more, let’s look at the range of silica supplements on the market.
These tasty, cloudy lemonade-flavoured gummies are clinically studied to support your body’s natural collagen production. They contain high-quality hyaluronic acid, branched-chain amino acids and bamboo which is standardised to contain natural silica, which may support skin moisture and a natural glow.13
They also contain vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin and is linked to collagen production. These gummies are vegan-friendly and naturally flavoured and sweetened. Plus, they contain less than 0.1g of sugar per gummy. Just chew two gummies a day.
Schussler
£9.99
£0.08/1 Tablet
Schuessler silica tablets are specially formulated homeopathic dilutions designed to support hair, skin and nails by boosting elasticity. They contain lactose, so they’re not suitable for anyone with lactose intolerance. Adults should take one tablet per day.
Our Silica Complex supplements offer a combination of calcium, magnesium, zinc, betaine hydrochloride, boron and horsetail. Zinc and calcium contribute to the maintenance of normal bones, while zinc contributes to the maintenance of hair, nails and skin. Calcium and magnesium also contribute to normal muscle function.
They’re suitable for vegans and also don’t contain sugar, soya or gluten. Take one caplet daily, preferably with food.
Our most advanced, multi-action bone support formula includes high levels of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, zinc and manganese for bone health, as well as silica-rich bamboo extract. Take four of these vegan-friendly tablets with water each day, preferably at a meal time.
Silica alternatives: what’s out there?
Silica supplements are one way to support your overall wellbeing, but they’re not the only option with skin in the game.4 Collagen, your body’s key structural protein that your body needs to support its normal functions, works especially well with silica, helping maintain skin elasticity and strong hair and nails.14,15
Let’s look at some of your favourite collagen products…
Vital Proteins
£30.00
£20.00
£7.04/100 g
This flavourless supplement is extremely versatile and can be mixed into both hot or cold liquids. Enjoy it in drinks, desserts, porridge and even smoothies. Two scoops per day will provide you with 20g of collagen and 18g of protein.
Don’t like tablets? Have one sachet of the Revive Collagen drink to support your natural collagen levels. In addition to hydrolysed marine collagen, this unique formula also contains hyaluronic acid. Simply add to a drink of your choice either at home or on the go. Better still, it’s free from dairy, soy and gluten.
Bioglan
£26.50
£0.29/1 Tablet
Bioglan’s beauty collagen tablets provide a whopping 2500mg of hydrolysed marine collagen per serving. It also contains added vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. Then biotin and selenium, which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. And finally, selenium, which contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
Take three tablets with a glass of water daily to start seeing the benefits.
The final say
Silica may not make headlines like other supplements, but this humble mineral plays a quiet yet important role in our wellbeing. While research is still uncovering its full potential, many of our customers have made it part of their daily health routines.
So next time you spot one of those "do not eat" silica gel sachets, you might see them in a new light. (Though obviously, they're no substitute for proper supplements – stick to the ones meant for humans!)
Silica supplements are considered safe for most people. However, if you’re considering taking a silica supplement, it’s important to check with your doctor to ensure it’s safe and doesn’t interfere with any medication you’re on.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
- Minerals Education Coalition. Silica [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 3]. Available from: https://mineralseducationcoalition.org/minerals-database/silica/
- BMC Plant Biology. New insight into silica deposition in horsetail (Equisetum arvense) [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 2]. Available from: https://bmcplantbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2229-11-112
- Rondanelli M, et al. Silicon: A neglected micronutrient essential for bone health. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2021;246(13):1500–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/1535370221997072
- de Araújo LA, et al. Use of silicon for skin and hair care: An approach of chemical forms and efficacy. An Bras Dermatol. 2016;91(3):331–5. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163986
- Dudek Ł, et al. Silicon in prevention of atherosclerosis and other age-related diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2024;11:1370536. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1370536
- Hagman E, et al. Oral intake of mesoporous silica is safe and well tolerated in male humans. PLoS One. 2020;15(10):e0240030. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240030
- Yamashita K, et al. Silica and titanium dioxide nanoparticles cause pregnancy complications in mice. Nat Nanotechnol. 2011;6(5):321–8. https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2011.41
- Zhan Y et al. Maternal exposure to E 551 during pregnancy leads to genome-wide DNA methylation changes and metabolic disorders in the livers of pregnant mice and their fetuses. Journal of Hazardous Medicine [Internet]. 2023 Dec 14 [cited 2025 Jan 6] Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389423025177
- American Journal of Kidney Diseases. Silica Nanoparticles and Mesoamerican Nephropathy: A Case Series [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 2]. Available from: https://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386(23)00802-8/fulltext
- Millerick-May ML, Schrauben S, Reilly MJ, Rosenman KD. Silicosis and chronic renal disease. Am J Ind Med [Internet]. 2015 Jul [cited 2025 Jan 6]; 58(7): 730-6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25940153/
- Sripanyakorn S, et al. The comparative absorption of silicon from different foods and food supplements. Br J Nutr. 2009;102(6):825–34. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114509311757
- Price, Charles T., et al. Silicon: A Review of Its Potential Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, International Journal of Endocrinology, 2013, 316783, 6 pages, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/316783
- Vasave, Harshada, et al. Bamboo’s Extract for Rejuvenating Skin. 2019. Semantic Scholar, https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Bamboo%E2%80%99s-Extract-for-Rejuvenating-Skin-Vasave-Wasule/6e924911803deb598e2c74d47377113c12322584
- Wu M, et al. Biochemistry, collagen synthesis. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709
- Naomi R, et al. Current insights into collagen type I. Polymers. 2021;13(16):2642. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162642
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