The company has developed a manufacturing process that ensures more than 90 per cent porosity, as well as providing an extensive surface area to the ingredient.
For added formulation versatility the structure of the ingredient has also been developed to allow permanent hydrophobicity and stability over a pH range of 5.5 to 11.
"Although a number of materials are used as rheology modifiers, the silica aerogels are more efficient, while offering complementary and multifunctional benefits," said Dirk Soontjens, global development leader for Dow Corning.
He added that the ingredient is also an effective oil-phase thickener at low concentrates than traditional hydrophobically-modified materials with lower surface areas, which saves on costs and ease of formulation.
The ingredient expands on Dow Corning's product line for rheology aids and modifiers for skin care, sun care, color cosmetics, fragrances and leave-on hair conditioners and styling products.
"These new aerogels can also be used to create distinctive product forms, such as fragrance delivery systems composed of caviar-like beads," Soontjens added.
"When combined with other silicone materials the aerogels add a synergistic effect to enhance the sensory profiles of formulatiosn, without affecting sebum absorption."