Fumed silica serves as a universal thickening agent and an anticaking agent (free-flow agent) in powders. Like silica gel, it serves as a desiccant. It is used in cosmetics for its light-diffusing properties. It is used as a light abrasive, in products like toothpaste. Other uses include filler in silicone elastomer and viscosity adjustment in paints, coatings, printing inks, adhesives and unsaturated polyester resins.

It is also used in the production of cat litter box filler and as a core material in the production of vacuum insulated panels. Moreover, Fumed silica nanoparticles can potentially be used as efficient anti-aging coatings in asphalt pavements.