Snapshot
- Overview
- A fine mineral powder that absorbs oil and smooths skin's look.
- Category
- Oil Control, Tone/Texture
- Type
- Mineral
Solum Diatomeae/Diatomaceous Earth/Terre De Diatomees
Diatomaceous earth (Solum Diatomeae) is a finely milled, silica-rich powder from fossilized microalgae. In skincare and makeup, it's used for oil absorption, soft-focus blurring, and mild polishing to refine texture.
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Our take
Is Solum Diatomeae/Diatomaceous Earth/Terre De Diatomees a Good Ingredient?
It rates Fair: it reliably absorbs excess oil and gives a soft-focus finish, but there's limited evidence for broader skin benefits. It can over-dry or cause micro-abrasion in scrubs, and loose powders pose an inhalation risk.
What it does
Skin Benefits
It helps reduce surface shine and gives a smoother-looking finish, and can gently refine rough-feeling areas while offering a lightweight, non-greasy feel for a more velvety look.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
It's often included in mattifying primers and setting powders, and found in clay masks and exfoliating cleansers or micro-polish scrubs.
Before you use it
Safety
It's generally considered safe in topical use, especially in rinse-off or pressed formats. It may cause dryness or mild irritation on sensitive or compromised skin; apply gently to avoid abrasion. Avoid inhaling fine dust during application.
Products with Solum Diatomeae/Diatomaceous Earth/Terre De Diatomees
