Corn (Zea Mays) Silk Extract
AKA “Zea Mays Silk Extract
Extract
Ingredient Facts
Corn (Zea Mays) silk extract
AKA: Zea Mays Silk Extract
Extract · Skin Conditioning · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Extract
Not Clean
Corn (Zea Mays) Silk Extract is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Family
Poaceae (Grass family)
Plant Part
Seed
CAS #
91079-16-2
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Conditions Skin
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
Brightens Skin
Softens & Smooths
Traditional Use
Corn silk has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and indigenous practices for centuries as a gentle, soothing botanical. Historically valued for its astringent and calming properties in skincare remedies.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Soothing
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Comedogenic
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Final Report of the Safety Assessment of Cosmetic Ingredients Derived from Zea mays (corn)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Zea Mays (Corn) Fruit
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil Unsaponifiables
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Zea Mays Oil
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR