murphyCorn Starch Modified
AKA: Modified Cornstarch
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginNative to Central America. Derived from corn starch, a polysaccharide extracted from corn kernels of the Poaceae grass family grown in Central America. Modified through chemical reaction with dodecenyl succinic anhydride, followed by calcium salt formation.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing (CIR 680)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 680)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions minimal (CIR 680)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.12–45.7%
Rinse-off0.0062–3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2013 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR