Silica gel is a drying agent that often comes in the form of small, clear beads or clear rock crystals placed in small packets made of paper or cloth. These packets are often packaged with commercial products to prevent damage caused by moisture. Silica gel packets can be found in a wide range of products, such as food, clothing, and electronics. Silica gel is a “desiccant, ” which means that it’s used to keep things dry. Silica gel is made from silicon dioxide — a compound naturally found in sand — and has small particles that can absorb large amounts of water. Therefore, desiccant silica gel packets are put in store-bought products to prevent damage due to humidity. Silica gel packets can often be found in the following products: Clothes (e.g., coats, shoes, and hats) Electronics (e.g., cellphone and camera boxes) Medication or vitamin bottles Foods (e.g., packets of dry fruit and beef jerky)