Silicon (organic silicon, silica from horsetail or bamboo)

Silicon and Silicium G5 are sold in Spain and France as «anti-aging skin products». EFSA 2009 approved no silicon claim for skin elasticity or connective tissue status. Barel 2005 RCT (n=50) showed moderate skin roughness and elasticity improvement with ch-OSA × 20 weeks, not reproduced in independent studies. Proven photoaging interventions are topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene), SPF 30+ sun protection and topical antioxidants (topical vitamin C). If silicon was recommended as a substitute for sun protection and topical retinoids, consider seeking a second opinion from a dermatologist.

Silicon as organic silicon (horsetail or bamboo extract) is sold as a supplement to slow aging and support longevity, usually for skin, hair, and nails. The benefit for this use has not been shown: there is no solid evidence that it affects aging or lifespan. For skin and overall health, other approaches help – sun protection, not smoking, sleep, and a reasonable diet; for brittle hair or nails it makes sense to look for the specific cause with a doctor.

Silicon is mass-marketed as a «product for hair, nails and skin» promising «collagen synthesis stimulation». EFSA 2009 reviewed manufacturer health claim applications for silicon on collagen synthesis and skin, hair and nail status: none approved. Several small RCTs (Wickett 2007, Barel 2005) showed moderate improvements in skin elasticity and nail strength with ch-OSA (choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid) 10 mg/day × 5–9 months; sample sizes around 50, not reproduced in independent groups. For diffuse hair loss AAD 2024 lists workup (ferritin, TSH, testosterone, zinc) and treating the underlying cause; silicon supplements are not in the guideline. If silicon was recommended for marked hair loss or nail brittleness without workup, consider seeking a second opinion.