botanical
Corn Starch
Plant-derived talc alternative in clean colour cosmetics with oil-absorbing and texture-smoothing function. Reflects clean beauty's move away from talc after asbestos contamination concerns.
Benefits
- Absorbs excess sebum and moisture
- Mattifying surface effect
- Silky texture in pressed powders
- Plant-derived talc substitute
- Biodegradable
Example uses
- Talc-free baked powder blushes
- Dry shampoo formulations
- Oil-control face powders
- Loose setting powders
- Mattifying primers
Mechanism of action
Granular starch structure presents high surface area binding sebum via physical adsorption and capillary action. In pressed powders provides matrix structure.
Clinical evidence · High
Well-characterised. Safety confirmed by CIR.
Effective concentration range
5–25%
Formulation notes
In anhydrous powder formulations functions as dry binder and oil absorber. Moisture-sensitive manufacturing.
Watchouts
Can support microbial growth in moist applications — preservation required. Some corn allergy contact dermatitis reported.
Stacks with
Controversies & overclaims
Talc-free marketing is appropriate. The microbial growth risk in moist applications is a formulation concern, not an ingredient safety issue.
Market positioning
Marketed as natural talc alternative. Accurate.
Comedogenicity
0 / 5
Sensitisation risk
Low
INCI & aliases
Zea Mays Starch
zea mays starch · cornstarch · maize starch
Clean beauty perception
Strongly accepted in clean beauty — plant-derived, food-grade, talc-free.
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