Corn (Zea Mays) Starch
AKA “Zea Mays
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Corn (Zea Mays) starch
Synthetic · Absorbent | Film-Former | Conditioning | Thickener · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Corn starch absorbs excess oil and moisture while creating a smooth, silky texture. This natural ingredient conditions and helps thicken formulas for better application.
Family
Poaceae (Grass family)
Plant Part
Seed
CAS #
223239-90-5
Form
Powder
Plant-Derived
Botanical-Derived Synthetic. Native to Central America. Derived from corn kernels, the seeds of Zea mays grass native to Central America. Extracted through mechanical grinding and wet milling to separate starch granules from other kernel components.
Plant Source
Poaceae (Grass family)
Plant Part
Seed
Function
Absorbent | Film-Former | Conditioning | Thickener
Benefits
Absorbs Excess Oil
Creates Protective Barrier
Conditions Skin
Controls Viscosity
Creates protective layer
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
Cornstarch has been used for centuries in traditional cosmetics as an absorbent powder and gentle skin protectant. Widely employed in Asian, European, and indigenous beauty preparations for oil control and as a base for powders.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
EWG Score4
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Comedogenic
Concentration Guide
98%
0%100%
Reg. Limit
FDA OTC limit: 98% (Skin Protectant). Source: FDA OTC Monograph, 21 CFR 347.10.
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR