Cyclodextrin Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Cyclodextrin Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride 1
photograph
AKA: Cyclodextrin quaternium, HPT-cyclodextrin chloride
Synthetic
Humectant
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from plant-based cyclodextrins, typically produced from corn or potato starch through enzymatic processing. Synthesized by quaternizing cyclodextrin with hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride groups to enhance water solubility and conditioning properties.
Cyclodextrin Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a cosmetic ingredient used as film forming, humectant, skin conditioning. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
CAS #
-
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
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-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2015
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR