Silica gel is most commonly encountered in everyday life as beads in a small paper packet. In this form, it is used as a desiccant to control local humidity to avoid spoilage or degradation of some goods What are silica gel pouches? Silica gel pouches are used to protect items from moisture and keep things dry. Brands add them to new products, particularly shoes and handbags, to ward off damp and humidity in storage and in transit.