Organic Silicon: how to choose the right form for your needs

Article written by Marie Gautier, certified dietician – 16 years of expertise | Last updated: July 2026

Introduction: What if this forgotten mineral was the key to your vitality?

You may have heard about organic silicon from a friend, a naturopath, or while browsing a health magazine. And you may have thought: "just another trendy supplement." I understand this skepticism; in my practice, I see many products that promise a lot but deliver little.

But silicon is different. Not because it's new; it has been used for decades in natural medicine. Not because it makes sensational promises. But because it is one of the few trace elements for which the mechanisms of action are clearly identified, and for which field feedback, over many years, is remarkably consistent.

The real problem? There are many forms of silicon on the market: plant silica, organic silicon, colloidal silica, gel, drinkable, horsetail, nettle, G5… And many people buy anything without understanding the differences. Result: they don't see the expected effects and conclude that "it doesn't work."

Check your situation. Tick what applies to you:

• ☐ You experience joint pain or stiffness, especially in the morning upon waking
• ☐ Your nails are brittle, ridged, and break easily
• ☐ Your hair is falling out more than before or seems dull and lacking volume
• ☐ Your skin lacks tone, firmness, or radiance
• ☐ You feel a general demineralization (fragile bones, cramps)
• ☐ You are over 40 and wish to preserve your joint health
• ☐ You recover less well after physical exertion than before

If you have checked 2 or more boxes, silicon truly deserves your attention.

Because from the age of 35, our "silicon capital" continuously and irreversibly declines. However, this mineral is present in all connective tissues of the body: bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, hair, nails, blood vessels. Without sufficient intake, all this supporting tissue gradually weakens.

In this article, I will explain in detail what silicon is, why not all forms are equal, and especially how to choose the one that corresponds to your specific situation, among the 5 products we offer at Pleine Forme.

What is organic silicon and why is it essential for the body?

Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, after oxygen. In the human body, it is the third most present essential trace element, after zinc and iron. And yet, it is one of the most misunderstood.

Its role in the body is fundamental: it is the "structural cement" of all connective tissues.

The 5 key roles of silicon in the body

1. Collagen synthesis: silicon is essential for the formation of collagen fibers, the protein that gives strength to tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, and bones. Without sufficient silicon, collagen synthesis slows down.

2. Elastin synthesis: it maintains the elastin fibers that provide flexibility and elasticity to tissues. The loss of these fibers with age results in wrinkles, sagging skin, and stiffening joints.

3. Bone mineralization: silicon potentiates the action of calcium and magnesium in bone densification. It is essential for skeletal formation, growth, and maintenance of bone mass.

4. Vascular protection: it maintains the elasticity of arterial and venous walls, preventing their stiffening with age.

5. Mineral synergy: it potentiates the action of zinc, copper, and iron in over 250 biochemical reactions in the body.

Why do we lack silicon with age?

From birth, the body has a silicon reserve that continuously and irreversibly decreases over time. At 35, more than 80% of initial reserves are already depleted according to Vitasil data. This phenomenon accelerates with:

• The natural aging of tissues
• Depleted diet (exhausted soils, ultra-processed foods)
• Chronic oxidative stress
• Low-grade inflammation
• Sedentary lifestyle

Organic silicon vs. mineral silica vs. colloidal silica: what's the difference?

This is where most people get lost. Here is the essential comparison table:

Form	Source	Bioavailability	Risks	Usage
Organic silicon (monomer)	Synthesis or plants	Up to 70%	Minimal	Drinkable or gel
Plant silica (horsetail, nettle)	Plants	Good (linked to plant proteins)	Very low	Drinkable
Colloidal silica	Mineral (salts)	Low (< 15%)	Risk of renal sedimentation	Avoid prolonged use
Silicon dioxide	Mineral	Very low	Not assimilable as such	Excipient only

To remember: only silicon linked to carbon, known as organic silicon, is truly assimilable by the human body. Colloidal or mineral silica, in the form of silicon salts, has much lower bioavailability and presents risks of kidney deposits with prolonged use.

Foods that naturally provide silicon

Diet remains the primary source of silicon, although it is generally not enough to compensate for an established deficiency.

Vegetables richest in assimilable silica

Food	Silica content	Form
Horsetail	Very high (5–8% of dry weight)	Organic plant silica
Stinging nettle	High (1–4%)	Organic plant silica
Bamboo (shoots)	High	Organic plant silica
Oats (bran, flakes)	Good	Silica linked to fibers
Millet	Good	Assimilable silica
Brown rice	Medium	Silica in the husk
Cucumber (with skin)	Medium	Hydrated silica
Green banana	Low to medium	Silica and resistant starch

The golden rule for maximizing dietary intake

Plant silica is concentrated in the husks of cereals and in certain wild plants. This is why:

• Prefer whole grains to refined grains (the husk, removed during refining, concentrates the silica)
• Consume oats raw or in overnight flakes; prolonged cooking partially degrades silica
• Eat cucumber and zucchini with the skin
• Millet is one of the cereals richest in assimilable silica, consider millet pancakes or porridges

Foods that disrupt silicon absorption

• Alcohol: reduces intestinal absorption of minerals in general
• Ultra-processed foods: low in silica, high in phosphates that disrupt mineralization
• Excess calcium alone: can compete with silicon in absorption pathways; remember to balance calcium and magnesium/silicon

Consumption habits that optimize silicon's effect

Take silicon on an empty stomach, away from meals

Whether it's liquid plant silica or drinkable organic silicon, taking it on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after, maximizes absorption. Silicon in aqueous solution competes with other dietary minerals if you take it during a meal.

Avoid contact with metal and glass

This is an often overlooked but important precaution, especially for organic silicon G5. Silicon reacts with certain metals and with glass; always use the plastic dosing cap provided with the bottles. Never pour the dose into a metal or glass cup.

Respect cures and breaks

Silicon is not a supplement to be taken continuously indefinitely. The body needs periods of assimilation and integration. For G5 in particular, cures of 3 to 4 weeks with breaks, repeated 2 to 3 times a year, are often more effective than continuous intake over 12 months.

Combine silicon and vitamin C

Vitamin C is a cofactor for collagen synthesis, like silicon. They act in synergy. A glass of fresh lemon juice or vitamin C supplementation in the morning before your silicon optimizes the restorative effect on connective tissues.

Stay sufficiently hydrated

Silicon is a hydrophilic mineral; it needs water to circulate and be distributed in the body. Aim for 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day during your cure. Good hydration is also a factor of kidney protection, especially if you use concentrated forms.

Lifestyle habits that amplify the effects of silicon

Physical exercise: activating collagen synthesis

Regular movement stimulates chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and fibroblasts (collagen and elastin-producing cells), precisely the cells that silicon nourishes. Sedentary living, on the contrary, accelerates cartilage degradation and reduces connective tissue synthesis.

Practical recommendations:

• Brisk walking: 30 min, 5 times a week, the minimum to maintain joint health
• Swimming or aquagym: ideal for people suffering from joint pain (no impact)
• Gentle yoga or stretching: twice a week to maintain tendon and ligament flexibility
• Avoid repeated impacts (running on concrete) if you have osteoarthritis; prefer cycling or swimming

Sleep: the night rebuilds what the day wears down

Collagen and elastin synthesis accelerates during deep sleep, under the action of growth hormone (GH). Silicon provides the building materials; sleep is when reconstruction truly occurs.

• Aim for 7 to 9 hours per night
• Go to bed at a regular time before 11 PM
• Avoid screens 60 minutes before bedtime

Stress management: protecting connective tissues

Chronic cortisol accelerates collagen and elastin degradation. It inhibits fibroblasts and reduces bone density in the long term. In other words: stress destroys exactly what silicon aims to preserve.

What works:

• Heart coherence: 3 × 5 minutes per day
• Nature walks: 30 minutes per day
• Yoga or conscious breathing: 2 sessions per week

Protect your joints daily

• Maintain a healthy weight (every extra kilo multiplies pressure on the knees by 3)
• Wear shoes with good cushioning
• Avoid prolonged static positions; stand up every 45 minutes
• Warm up and stretch joints before any physical exertion

Pleine Forme's 5 silicon products: which one to choose according to your profile?

Here is the most useful information in this article, the practical guide to help you choose the right product according to your actual situation.

🌿 1. Horsetail Silica - Phytonika - 500 ml

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For whom? People who prefer a 100% plant-based silica, derived from a plant, with a complete mineral profile.

Phytonika Horsetail Silica is developed by the family laboratory founded by biologist Adrien Baccichetti (Dr. Yves Baccichetti's formula), nestled in the heart of the Lorraine forests. The horsetail used comes from mountains preserved from human activity, a crucial point, as horsetail bioaccumulates pollutants from the soil very easily.

The extract is obtained by cold pressing in a non-alcoholic aqueous medium, without mixing with other plants or essential oils, an important detail: according to Dr. Baccichetti, any addition of plants or essential oils cancels the effects of horsetail and silicon.

• Concentrated at 100,000 mg of horsetail per liter (1 kg of horsetail per 1 liter)
• Organic plant silica naturally bound to plant proteins and carbohydrates
• Rich in complementary minerals: magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamin C, quercetin, flavonoids
• Without chemical preservatives (natural potassium sorbate + citric acid)
• Compatible with medical treatments (no known contraindications)

Priority benefits: joints, bones, kidney drainage, skin, hair, nails, vascular tone.

Dosage: 20 ml per day (2 x 10 ml caps) on an empty stomach or between meals, diluted in water or herbal tea. Minimum 1-month cure (1 bottle); average cures of 2 to 6 bottles possible continuously.

Our advice: ideal as a versatile baseline cure, accessible to all, particularly suitable for people sensitive to additives or seeking a 100% plant-based and natural approach.

🌱 2. Organic Nettle Silica - Phytonika - 500 ml

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For whom? People who want a plant-based silica without any additives or preservatives, in its purest form.

Phytonika Nettle Silica is a rare reference on the market: it is the only highly concentrated plant silicon in Europe, without additives or preservatives. It is composed of 100% hydroglycerinated nettle extract, 2 kg of nettle leaves per liter of product. No other ingredients.

The total absence of preservatives is its major asset for people very sensitive to additives. The variable color (due to chlorophyll, which varies with the seasons) is a sign of naturalness, not a defect.

What distinguishes it from Horsetail Silica:

• Zero preservatives, zero additives, 100% nettle extract
• Hydroglycerinated form (vegetable glycerin as a natural solvent) for better extraction without alcohol
• Nettle is particularly rich in silica but also in iron, chlorophyll, and natural anti-inflammatory compounds
• Highly appreciated for heavy metal detoxification (several user testimonials mention this benefit)
• Recommended by Rebelle Santé magazine and health journalist Michel Dogna

Priority benefits: joints, general tone, drainage, skin, hair, vitality.

Dosage: 20 ml per day (2 x 10 ml caps) away from meals, diluted in a glass of water. Cure of 1 to 6 months.

Our advice: first choice for people very sensitive to additives, detoxing, or wanting the purest possible formulation. Also a good choice if you've had reactions to other silicas.

💊 3. Organic Nettle Silicon - Vitasil - 500 ml (drinkable)

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For whom? People looking for a highly concentrated bio-activated organic silicon, with targeted action on beauty (skin, hair, nails) AND joints.

Vitasil Organic Silicon represents a different approach: it is bio-activated organic silicon (monomeric silicic acid) derived from nettle, combined with zinc gluconate and copper gluconate. This exclusive bio-activation process by Dexil Laboratories makes it possible to obtain an absolute monomer, a stable, non-polymerized silicon molecule, which penetrates directly into the heart of cells.

What distinguishes it from plant-based silicas:

• Bio-activated silicon: refined and stabilized molecule, maximized bioavailability
• Enriched with zinc (maintains skin, hair, nails, and bones) and copper (maintains connective tissues)
• This 3-in-1 synergy (silicon + zinc + copper) makes it the ideal choice for beauty concerns
• A 3-month course is recommended for visible results on hair loss and nail quality

Primary benefits: hair (loss, volume, shine), nails (fragility, ridges), skin (firmness, elasticity), joints, and bones.

Dosage:

• Under 50 years old: 15 ml in the morning on an empty stomach
• Over 50 years old: 45 ml/day for the 1st week (starter effect), then 15 ml/day
• Shake the bottle before use, do not use a metal glass or container

Our advice: first choice if your priority is beauty, hair loss, brittle nails, skin lacking firmness. Also excellent as a joint supplement for those 50 and over who want to address everything in one product.

🧴 4. Organic Silicon Gel - Vitasil - 225 ml (external use)

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For whom? People who want a local and rapid action on painful joints, or a silicon skin care product for topical use.

This gel is the external version of Vitasil organic silicon. Formulated with monomethylsilanetriol (bio-activated organic silicon MMST for cosmetic use), it penetrates tissues transdermally to act locally on cartilage, elastin, and collagen. Its properties are remineralizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoallergenic.

Why combine gel and drinkable solution? According to Vitasil laboratories, the gel has a faster action than a drinkable solution, but its action remains local. For lasting and systemic results, the drinkable + gel combination is the optimal strategy. One acts from within on the general condition, the other acts from without on the targeted area.

Practical uses:

• Application on painful joints (knees, hips, shoulders, ankles)
• Back, neck, tense area massage
• Facial skin care for firmness and radiance
• Application on nails to strengthen them
• Mixed with clay for anti-inflammatory wraps

Composition: Aqua, Monomethylsilanetriol, Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer, Capryloyl Glycine, Tromethamine, Polyisobutene, Parfum, Polysorbate 20. Paraben-free.

Dosage: a small amount of gel 2 to 3 times a day on the affected areas. Massage until completely absorbed. External use only.

Our advice: essential as a complement to oral intake for localized joint pain. Also excellent as a silicon skin care product, in synergy with an oral treatment.

💧 5. Organic Silicon G5 - LLR-G5 - 500 ml

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For whom? People looking for the reference organic silicon, Loïc Le Ribault's original formula, the most concentrated, the most assimilable, without preservatives.

G5 is the historical formula of organic silicon, originally developed by geologist and researcher Loïc Le Ribault in the 1970s, and legally marketed since 1999 by the laboratory LLR-G5 Ltd, based in Ireland. It is the sole holder of the original process with the approval of the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), in accordance with Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC.

Its central peculiarity: an assimilation rate by the body that can reach 70%, whereas colloidal or mineral silica rarely exceeds 15%. This exceptional bioavailability is explained by its perfect, non-colloidal dissolution form, without crystallization.

What distinguishes it from all others:

• Original formula without preservatives, the 500 ml bottle guarantees a shelf life of 4 weeks after opening (size chosen precisely for this reason)
• Ultra-minimalist composition: water + organic silicon (monomethylsilanetriol) + potassium phosphate
• Usable internally AND externally (compresses, skin sprays)
• Neutral pH (approx. 6.6), perfectly tolerated by the body
• EFSA approved, the only organic silicon fully compliant with European food supplement standards

Primary benefits: severe joint pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, global remineralization, advanced skin aging, demineralization.

Dosage:

• Intensive cure: 30 ml, 3 times a day before meals (attack phase 1 to 6 months)
• Maintenance cure: 10 to 20 ml, 1 to 3 times a day
• Keeps for 4 weeks after opening, respect this deadline
• Avoid any contact with metal or glass

Our advice: first choice for serious joint conditions, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, post-fracture remineralization, advanced aging. Also the choice of people who already know silicon and want the purest and most effective form. Its preservative-free profile also makes it a preferred choice for people very sensitive to additives who want concentrated organic silicon.

Summary table: which product for which profile?

Profile / Primary need	Recommended product
Versatile basic cure, first trial	Phytonika Horsetail Silica
Zero additives, detox, hypersensitivity	Phytonika Organic Nettle Silica
Hair, nails, skin + joints	Vitasil Organic Nettle Silicon (drinkable)
Localized joint pain, topical use	Vitasil Organic Silicon Gel
Osteoarthritis, severe pain, advanced remineralization	LLR-G5 Organic Silicon G5
Complete protocol (internal + external)	G5 drinkable + Vitasil Gel

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Your complete protocol: 30-day action plan with silicon

Week 1: Choose and start

Objective: identify your priority and implement daily intake

• Review the table above and choose your product according to your profile
• Start at the minimum recommended dose, gradually increase
• Take your silicon in the morning on an empty stomach, with a large glass of water
• Add fresh lemon juice before intake (synergistic vitamin C)
• Note your initial symptoms (pain, nail quality, hair condition)

Week 2: Amplify through diet

Objective: strengthen dietary silicon intake

• Replace your refined cereals with whole grains (millet, oats, brown rice)
• Eat cucumbers and zucchini with the skin on
• Add a horsetail or nettle infusion in the evening (complementary to the morning supplement)
• Start 3 sessions of 30 minutes of walking per week
• If osteoarthritis or pain: apply Vitasil gel to the affected areas morning and evening

Week 3: Lifestyle habits

Objective: create optimal conditions for tissue regeneration

• Establish a fixed bedtime before 11 p.m. (the night repairs what silicon builds)
• Cardiac coherence: 3 times/day, 5 minutes (reduce cortisol that degrades collagen)
• Increase to 5 walking or swimming sessions per week
• Hydrate: minimum 1.5 liters of water per day during the cure
• Vitamin C: raw red bell pepper, kiwi, fresh parsley with each meal

Week 4: Evaluation and cure decision

Objective: measure initial effects, decide on cure duration

Evaluation criterion	Before	After 4 weeks
Joint pain (score /10)	...	...
Flexibility upon waking (score /10)	...	...
Nail quality (score /10)	...	...
Hair thickness / loss (score /10)	...	...
Skin tone (score /10)	...	...
General energy (score /10)	...	...

Recommended duration per objective:

• Hair, nails, skin: 3 months minimum
• Joints, joint comfort: 3 to 6 months
• Deep bone remineralization: 6 to 12 months with breaks

 

FAQ – Your most frequent questions about organic silicon

1. What is the difference between organic silicon and plant silica?

Plant silica (horsetail, nettle) is silicon naturally bound to plant proteins and carbohydrates, assimilable but with variable bioavailability depending on the extraction. "Synthetic" organic silicon (G5, Vitasil) is a purified and stabilized molecule (monomethylsilanetriol or silicic acid), whose bioavailability can reach 70%. Both are effective; the plant form has the advantage of a complete mineral profile, the concentrated organic form has the advantage of maximized assimilation.

      2. Can silicon be taken at the same time as medication?

For Phytonika Horsetail Silica and Nettle Silica, no known contraindications with medication. For G5 and Vitasil, take 2 hours apart from medication as a precaution. In case of kidney treatment, consult your doctor before any silicon supplementation.

      3. How long before seeing effects?

For joints: 4 to 8 weeks generally for the first effects, 3 to 6 months for lasting results. For hair and nails: 6 to 12 weeks (the time of a growth cycle). For skin: 4 to 8 weeks. Patience is essential, silicon acts on tissue structure, not on symptoms.

     4. Are there any side effects of organic silicon?

Organic silicon is generally very well tolerated. Mild digestive disorders (nausea) can occur at high doses, at the beginning of the cure. Excess organic silicon G5 is eliminated by the kidneys without known risk in people with normal kidney function. People suffering from kidney failure should consult their doctor.

    5. Can Vitasil silicon gel be used on the face?

Yes, perfectly. Vitasil gel is hypoallergenic and can be applied to the face for its remineralizing and firming properties. It helps maintain the structure of skin collagen and elastin. Apply a small amount to clean skin, morning and/or evening.

   6. What is the difference between preservative-free G5 (500 ml) and the one with preservatives (1 liter)?

The 500 ml LLR-G5 bottle contains no chemical preservatives, this is the preferred formula. It keeps for 4 weeks after opening (hence the 500 ml format). The 1-liter bottle contains preservatives (ethylparaben and methylparaben) to ensure longer preservation. The preservative-free formula is preferable if you can consume the product within the specified time frame.

   7. Does silicon really help against osteoarthritis?

Silicon is essential for the formation of proteoglycans, the molecules that make up cartilage and include hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It therefore supports chondrocytes and the cartilage structure. Studies and numerous field testimonials over 20 years of use indicate a reduction in pain and an improvement in mobility. It does not replace medical treatment but can be a relevant complementary support.

     8. Horsetail or nettle: which to choose?

Both are rich in plant organic silica. Horsetail has the advantage of a slightly higher silica content and a long tradition of documented use. Nettle has the advantage of being enriched with chlorophyll, iron, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Phytonika Nettle Silica also has the advantage of being completely free of additives. If in doubt, the two can be alternated in successive cures.

     9. Can silicon be given to a child?

Silicon is naturally present in food and is not toxic. For children, adjust the dose (generally half the adult dose) and consult a pediatrician or naturopath before any supplementation. Phytonika Nettle Silica (additive-free) is the most appropriate choice for younger individuals.

     10. Can two forms of silicon be taken at the same time?

Yes, the combination of external gel + drinkable solution is even recommended by Vitasil for maximum effectiveness. The combination of a plant-based silica (horsetail or nettle) in the morning and a gel in the evening on the affected areas is also a coherent strategy. However, avoid combining two concentrated organic silicon drinkable solutions (G5 + Vitasil) without professional advice.

Conclusion: the right silicon, at the right time, for the right tissues

Organic silicon is not a supplement to be taken haphazardly. But when well chosen, well used, and integrated into a consistent lifestyle, it is one of the most reliable tools in naturopathy for preserving the structure and vitality of connective tissues, bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, and vessels.

The golden rule? Identify your priority, beauty, joints, remineralization, choose the appropriate form, and respect the necessary duration of the cure. Silicon doesn't work express miracles. But over time, it achieves what few other natural active ingredients can achieve as deeply.

And if you are still hesitating between the 5 products presented here, our team is available to guide you according to your profile.

Need personalized advice to choose your silicon? Our Pleine Forme advisors can answer your questions at 02.47.20.49.17

⚠️ Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only. It does not in any way replace personalized medical advice, especially in cases of diabetes, medication intake, or pregnancy. Consult your doctor before any change or supplement intake.

Sources

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2. Reffitt D.M. et al. (2003). Orthosilicic acid stimulates collagen type 1 synthesis and osteoblastic differentiation in human osteoblast-like cells in vitro. Bone, 32(2):127–135. PubMed

3. Baccichetti Y. — Phytonika. Silicon and horsetail: properties and precautions for use. Internal documentation and publication available on phytonika.com

4. Dexil Laboratories — Vitasil. Bio-activated Organic Silicon: technical documentation. vitasil.com

5. LLR-G5 Ltd — Irish Laboratory. Organic Silicon G5: composition, EFSA approval, directive 2002/46/CE. g5-silicium.com

6. Price C.T. et al. (2013). Silicon: a review of its potential role in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2013:316783. PubMed

7. ANSES (2021). Trace elements and food supplements — summary sheets. anses.fr