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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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A fine mineral powder that absorbs oil and smooths skin's look.
Category
Oil Control, Tone/Texture
Type
Mineral

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

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.

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.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

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.

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.