PURPOSE: To produce microspherical silica gel suitable to makeup cosmetic pigment, by granulating an aqueous solution consisting essentially of sodium silicate by spray drying, neutralizing the soda with an acid, and removing the neutralized soda therefrom.

CONSTITUTION: An aqueous solution consisting essentially of sodium silicate expressed by formula, and having ≤100cp viscosity is granulated by the drying, e.g. high-speed centrifugal spraying method with a rotating disk at ≥7,000m/min peripheral speed. The granulated sodium silicate is then treated and neutralized with sulfuric adic in 5W10% concentration, and the sodium in the form of a water-soluble salt is simultaneously forced to the outside of granules. The granules are then dehydrated, washed with water and dried to produce microspherical silica gel having 1W60μ grain diameter. 5W30% granules are incorporated with a makeup cosmetic, e.g. foundation or eye shadow, to give a light, smooth and easily extendible cosmetic.