Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
AKA: Modified Corn Starch, Octenyl Succinic Anhydride Starch
Synthetic
Occlusive
Clean
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate is the reaction product of octenylsuccinic anhydride with Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
CAS #
100209-41-4
Form
Powder
Functions
Absorbent
Binding
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Boosts Collagen
Creates protective layer
Absorbs excess oil
Holds ingredients together
Traditional Use
A synthetic derivative of corn starch developed in the 20th century specifically for cosmetics as a texture modifier and suspending agent with improved stability.
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