Corn (Zea Mays) Starch

Corn (Zea Mays) Starch 1
Corn (Zea Mays) Starch 2
Corn (Zea Mays) Starch 3
AKA: Zea Mays Starch
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Corn (Zea Mays) Starch is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
CAS #
223239-90-5
Form
Powder
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Absorbs Excess Oil
Creates Protective Barrier
Conditions Skin
Controls Viscosity
Creates protective layer
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
Cornstarch has been used for centuries in traditional cosmetics as an absorbent powder and gentle skin protectant. Widely employed in Asian, European, and indigenous beauty preparations for oil control and as a base for powders.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Comedogenic
Concentration Guide
98%
0%100%
Reg. Limit
FDA OTC limit: 98% (Skin Protectant). Source: FDA OTC Monograph, 21 CFR 347.10.
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed0 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR