Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Hydroxyethyl Ether
AKA: Hydroxyethyl Corn Starch, HE Corn Starch
Synthetic
Humectant
Emulsifier
Clean
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Hydroxyethyl Ether is the hydroxyethyl ether of Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
CAS #
100209-41-4
Form
Powder
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A chemically modified corn starch developed in the mid-20th century for use in cosmetics as an improved thickening and stabilizing agent with enhanced water-holding capacity.
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-reviewednone on file
⚖️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