Corn Starch Modified
AKA: Modified Cornstarch
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Corn starch, reaction products with 3-(dodecenyl)dihydro-2,5-furandione, calcium salt, degree of substitution per glucose unit less than 0.1
CAS #
223239-90-5
Form
Powder
Functions
Absorbent
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Modified corn starch was developed in the 20th century to improve the functionality of traditional cornstarch in cosmetics. Created to enhance absorption, stability, and performance in modern skincare and makeup formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 2%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 680).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR