murphyZea mays (Corn) germ oil
AKA: Maize, Corn Germ Oil
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginNative to Central America. Extracted from the germ of corn kernels, members of the Poaceae grass family native to Central America. Obtained through cold-pressing or solvent extraction of the corn germ to yield the oil.
Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil is a cosmetic ingredient used as emollient, skin conditioning. Rated low hazard by EWG. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Family
Poaceae (Grass family)
Plant Part
Seed
Lifeform
Annual
Climate
Seasonally dry tropical
CAS #
8001-30-7
Form
Oil
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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 577)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed (CIR 577)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on3–25%
Rinse-off0.2–3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2006 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR