Top Applications of Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth: Formation, Properties, and Applications

Diatomaceous earth is formed from ancient algae that absorbed silicon elements dissolved in water due to volcanic eruptions. Over billions of years of geological changes, these algae combined with oxygen within their bodies and settled into deposits. The primary mineral composition of diatomaceous earth is opal, with 80%–90% or even more than 90% consisting of amorphous silicon dioxide. It has a unique porous, network-like structure with remarkable physical and chemical stability.

Key Properties of Diatomaceous Earth:

• Non-toxic, delicate, and lightweight
• Highly porous with large pore volume and diameter
• High surface area and strong permeability
• Excellent adsorption capacity (absorbs 1–4 times its weight in water and 11–15 times its weight in oil)
• Low conductivity for sound, heat, and electricity
• High-temperature resistance (up to 1700°C)

Due to these properties, diatomaceous earth is widely used in cosmetics, wellness care, pharmaceuticals, and more. The wellness Research Institute focuses on its applications in skincare, personal care, absorbents, pharmaceutical suspending agents, fillers, carriers, thickeners, and solubilizers.

Applications in Skincare

Diatomaceous earth is a pure natural protein-based material with a porous, “molecular sieve”-like structure. Its microscopic features, shaped over billions of years of evolution and geological changes, grant it unique skincare benefits:

Skincare Benefits:

• Automatic absorption and release of moisture and active ingredients, providing hydration and controlled release.
• Emits negative oxygen ions, effectively removing various odors.
• Absorbs impurities from the skin surface and pores, contributing to skincare.
• Oil removal properties, absorbing oil molecules and releasing harmless byproducts.
• UV protection and heat stability, making it ideal for sunscreen applications.
• Controls oil production and cleanses pores, keeping the skin hydrated, smooth, and radiant.
• Skin-brightening, anti-bacterial, and nourishing effects, improving elasticity and youthfulness.

Common Applications:

Diatomaceous earth is widely used in beauty and personal care products, wellness supplements, and pet care.

Key Benefits: Anti-aging, hydration, moisture retention, adsorption, skin-softening, cleansing, oil control, whitening, sun protection, firming, wrinkle reduction, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

Products:

Facial Care: Facial cleansers, moisturizers, toners, creams, face masks, nose masks, eye masks, powder masks, foundation, sunscreen, blotting paper, makeup removers.

• Yuntianli Diatom Protein Multi-dimensional Cleansing Soothing Mud Mask – Deeply purifies and soothes the skin.
• Yuntianli Diatom Protein Moisturizing Special Protective Mask – Provides intense hydration and skin protection.
• Yuntianli Diatom Protein Cleansing Cream – Effectively removes impurities and excess oil while nourishing the skin.
• Yuntianli Diatom Protein Seven Sub Soft Membrane Powder – Enhances skin elasticity and brightness with natural diatom protein.

Body Care: Shampoos, body washes, bath salts, soaps, body lotions, hot spring bath powders.

With its wide-ranging skincare benefits and applications, diatomaceous earth continues to be an essential ingredient in modern beauty and personal care products.

Applications in Medicine and Pharmaceuticals

Medical Uses of Diatomaceous Earth:

• Adsorbent – Removes impurities and odors from pharmaceuticals, enhancing purity.
• Diluent – Adjusts the concentration of medications, improving usability and absorption.
• Thickener – Enhances viscosity and flow properties in pharmaceuticals.

Role in the Pharmaceutical Industry:

Diatomaceous earth improves drug quality, stability, and production efficiency, while reducing costs. As a natural and non-toxic mineral, it aligns with the modern demand for eco-friendly and wellness-conscious products.

Uses: Medicinal toothpaste, weight loss drugs, detox treatments, and targeted drug carriers.

Application in Dialysis Filtration

Diatomaceous earth filters remove suspended particles and colloids from liquids using its fine and porous structure. A typical filter consists of a mesh, a support grid, and an outer frame, with diatomaceous earth coating the outer layer. The filtration process includes membrane formation, filtering, and backwashing.

Uses: Blood dialysis, pharmaceutical intermediates.

Composition and Properties

Diatomaceous earth mainly consists of ancient diatoms and other microbial remnants, with 80%–90% (or more) of its composition being amorphous silicon dioxide. It also contains small amounts of aluminum oxide, iron oxide, calcium oxide, and magnesium oxide.

Key Features:

• Stable properties, non-toxic, acid-resistant
• Large pore volume, high surface area, and strong adsorption
• Absorbs 1–4 times its weight in water and 11–15 times its weight in oil

It is used in environmental protection, construction materials, chemicals, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and more, serving as a filter aid, adsorbent, filler, catalyst carrier, reinforcement agent, and animal feed supplement.

Pharmaceutical Excipients

Diatomaceous earth is primarily used as an excipient in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its water absorption, suspension, dispersion, adhesion, and thixotropic properties make it ideal for formulation enhancement.

Key Applications:

1.Suspending Agent for Liquid Medications

Improves the ease of drug administration, especially for children and elderly patients with swallowing difficulties.

Forms high-viscosity gels in water, preventing sedimentation and ensuring uniform dispersion.

Offers better performance than sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and alginate.

2.Gastrointestinal Adsorbent

Selectively adsorbs viruses, bacteria, and toxins in the digestive tract.

Helps remove harmful substances from the body.

3.Emulsifying and Ointment Base

Used as a thickener in pastes and ointments, preventing oxidative degradation of oils.

Enhances stability, hydrophilicity, and dispersibility, improving spreadability and viscosity control.

Forms a protective film on the skin, increasing adhesion of active ingredients.

4.Dental Adhesives

Used in dental cement, therapeutic powders, and toothpaste thickeners.

Provides non-toxic, stable bonding properties.

5.Nano-Scale Pharmaceutical Carrier

Used in anti-parasitic drugs, extending intestinal retention time and enhancing efficacy.

Provides heat stability for controlled drug release.

6.Disintegrant for Oral Medications

Enhances tablet disintegration, facilitating faster absorption.

Ideal for thyroid hormone fast-dissolving tablets, making swallowing easier.

Diatomaceous earth offers exceptional excipient performance, with no adverse effects on the nervous, respiratory, or cardiovascular systems. It is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations to enhance drug efficacy and stability.

Diatomaceous Earth in Pet Products

Diatomaceous earth is widely used in pet products, primarily in the form of drying scoops and drying strips, which help with moisture absorption and dehumidification.

Applications of Diatomaceous Earth in Pet Products

• Drying Scoop – A dual-purpose tool that serves as both a pet food scoop and a moisture absorber. Made from natural diatomaceous earth, this scoop is reusable and ideal for keeping pet food dry and fresh.
• Drying Strips – These are commonly used in pet food storage and packaging. With strong water absorption capabilities, they help prevent moisture damage and maintain the quality of pet food.

Advantages of Diatomaceous Earth in Pet Products

• Excellent Moisture Control – Diatomaceous earth has strong absorbent properties, effectively reducing humidity and keeping pet food dry.
• Natural and Safe – Made from natural materials, diatomaceous earth products are non-toxic and safe for direct contact with pet food.
• Reusable – These products can be used repeatedly, making them cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Common Uses

Diatomaceous earth is suitable for various pet-related applications, including pet food storage, pet supplies, pet urine pads, and cat litter.

Conclusion

Diatomaceous earth offers a natural, effective, and sustainable solution for moisture control in pet products. Its strong absorbent properties help keep pet food fresh and dry, while its non-toxic and reusable nature makes it a safe and cost-effective choice for pet owners. Whether used in drying scoops, drying strips, or other pet-related applications, diatomaceous earth enhances the quality and longevity of pet supplies. As pet care continues to evolve, the use of eco-friendly materials like diatomaceous earth will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the well-being of pets and the convenience of their owners.