Hydroxypropyl Oxidized Starch
AKA: Modified Starch
Synthetic
Occlusive
Not Clean
Hydroxypropyl Oxidized Starch is the reaction product of oxygen and Hydroxypropyl Starch
Form
Powder
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Creates Protective Barrier
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
Starch was chemically oxidized and hydroxypropylated in the 20th century to create a thickening and texturizing agent. Used in cosmetics as a natural-origin alternative to synthetic polymers.
EWG
4
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-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR