Hydrated Silica

Gives the texture.

What it is

Silica, the mineral found in sand and quartz, made in a lab as a fine powder with water bound into it.

Thickens the product, absorbs oil and works as a polishing abrasive in toothpaste.

A short summary from the dictionary, not yet an in-depth article. About these entries

Gives the textureOfficial EU function: Viscosity controlling

Absorbs oil and moistureOfficial EU function: Absorbent

Polishes or scrubsOfficial EU function: Abrasive

Makes the formula less see-throughOfficial EU function: Opacifying

AnticakingOfficial EU function: Anticaking