murphyHydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
AKA: Corn Starch Polymer, Modified Corn Starch
Synthetic
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
OriginDerived from corn (maize) starch, a carbohydrate polymer extracted from cereal grain kernels. Produced through hydrolysis of starch followed by chemical quaternization with trimethylammonium groups.
Starch, maize (Zea mays), hydrolyzed, (3-trimethylammonio-2-hydroxypropyl)-, chlorides
CAS #
-
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Antistatic
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Antioxidant
Improves Elasticity
Creates protective layer
Reduces flyaways
Softens and detangles hair
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 680)
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 680)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 680)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.24–0.65%
Rinse-off0.19–0.43%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2013 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR