Diatomaceous Earth
What Is It?
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock made from the fossilised remains of diatoms (microscopic algae). It is ground into a fine powder and commonly used for filtration, pest control, skin care, and as a natural cleaning agent.
INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients)
Diatomaceous Earth
Proper Storage & Shelf Life
Storage: Keep in a dry, airtight container away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly.
Refined Or Unrefined
Available in two forms:
Food-Grade (Refined): Safe for human and pet consumption, used in supplements and personal care.
Industrial-Grade (Unrefined): Used for filtration, pest control, and cleaning but not safe for ingestion.
Is It Necessary?
Not essential, but highly beneficial for:
Natural pest control (kills insects by dehydrating them)
Exfoliation in skincare recipes
Absorbing moisture & odours in household applications
Gentle abrasive for cleaning
Texture & Consistency
Fine, off-white to greyish powder. Slightly gritty texture
Natural Scent Profile
Odourless
Solubility & Compatibility
Insoluble in water & oil
Compatible with dry recipes
Benefits In Your Recipes
Exfoliating agent in skincare and body scrubs
Absorbs excess oil in skin and hair care products
Natural deodoriser for carpets, shoes, and refrigerators
Non-toxic insect repellent (kills fleas, bed bugs, and ants)
Enhances soil quality in gardening and agriculture
PH
Typically ranges from 7.0 to 8.5, making it mildly alkaline
Absorbency Rate
Highly absorbent, capable of soaking up oils, moisture, and impurities from the skin and surfaces. It is often used as a drying agent in skincare and deodorising products.
Recommended Usage Rate
Skincare Exfoliant: 1%–5%
Household Deodoriser: Sprinkle as needed
Pest Control: Light dusting in affected areas
Cleaning Scrub: Mix with baking soda or vinegar
Appearance
Fine, white to grey powder
Strengths
✅ Natural, eco-friendly & biodegradable
✅ Non-toxic to humans and pets (food-grade only)
✅ Multi-purpose – used for cleaning, skincare, pest control, and gardening
Weaknesses
❌ Can be drying to skin if used excessively
❌ Inhalation risk – wear a mask when handling large amounts
❌ Messy to apply due to fine powder consistency
Alternative Ingredients/ Substitutions
Bentonite Clay: Similar oil-absorbing properties, good for skin care.
Kaolin Clay: Gentle alternative for sensitive skin exfoliation.
Baking Soda: Works as a mild abrasive in cleaning applications.
Best Practices
Use food-grade DE for skincare and personal care applications.
Avoid inhaling the dust – wear a mask when working with dry powder.
Blend with other clays for enhanced skincare benefits.
For pest control, apply lightly in dry areas and reapply as needed
Tips & Tricks
For glowing skin: Mix DE with honey or aloe vera gel for a gentle face mask.
For flea control: Sprinkle DE on carpets, leave for a few hours, then vacuum.
For odour removal: Place in a small dish to absorb moisture and smells.
Recommended Starter Amount
100g–500g