What is silica gel and how does it work?

What is silica gel, and why do I find little packets of it in everything I buy? Lauren explains it all in this week's episode. read more

Silica gel is a granular, vitreous, porous form of silicon dioxide made synthetically from sodium silicate. its works as moisture absorber for many industry. Silica gel packets with the beginning of the packaging, there are many water molecules inside packaging. read more

Desiccant silica gel packet Karam Miri/Hemera/Thinkstock Little packets of silica gel are found in all sorts of products because silica gel is a desiccant-- it adsorbs and holds water vapor. In leather products and foods like pepperoni, the lack of moisture can limit the growth of mold and reduce spoilage. read more

Silica gel is a desiccant, or drying agent, that was patented in 1919 by Walter A. Patrick at John Hopkins University in Baltimore Maryland. Despite its name, it is not a gel and should not be confused with silicon gel. read more