De Martindale beschrijft het gebruik van siliciumdioxide colloidaal watervrij (aerosil) (SiO2) en siliciumdioxide neergeslagen zwaar (SiO2xH2O) als volgt: Silicon dioxide (precipated) is used as a suspending and thickening agent and, in the form of silica gel, as a desiccant. Colloidal silicon dioxide is used as a suspending agent and thickener, as a stabiliser in emulsions, and as an anticaking agent and desiccant. Silicon dioxide (precipated) is also used as an anticaking agent in the food industry.
Beide vormen kunnen gebruikt worden om de vloei eigenschappen van poeders te verbeteren en om de viscositeit te verhogen.
