The present invention concerns a process for the production of a cellulosic product comprising providing a fiber-containing suspension, wherein at least about 60% by weight of the fibers are cellulosic fibers, and dewatering the suspension on a wire to form a cellulosic fiber web, the process further comprising adding silica-based particles to the formed web and a wet strength agent to the suspension and/or to the formed web. The invention also concerns a product obtainable by the process. The invention further concerns a dispersion comprising silica-based particles and a substantially aldehyde-free wet strength agent. A further aspect of the invention concerns a dispersion comprising silica-based particles having a specific surface area ranging from about 1000 to about 1700 m2/g and a wet strength agent. Still another aspect of the invention concerns the use of the dispersion as an additive in a papermaking process.