Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
AKA “Sorbitol, Maltitol”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate
AKA: Sorbitol, Maltitol
Synthetic · Humectant · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A plant-derived humectant that draws moisture into skin, helping keep it hydrated and soft throughout the day.
CAS #
68425-17-2
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
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
Traditional Use
Starch hydrolysate is a modern carbohydrate polymer developed in the 20th century for use in cosmetics. Hydrogenation creates a stable thickening and texturizing agent used primarily for its film-forming and sensory properties in skincare products.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 2%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 680).
Regulatory Agencies
Glossybounce™
Saie
Glossybounce™ Duo
Saie
Lip Combo
Saie
Glossybounce™ Duo
Saie
Glowing Greens Detoxifying Facial Cleansing Gel
COOLA
holi (lash) growth mascara
Agent Nateur
the lash growth duo
Agent Nateur
holi (pearly) whites probiotic whitening toothpaste
Agent Nateur
Gentle Body Wash - Unscented
Kinship
Gentle Body Wash - Vanilla
Kinship
The Bodycare Ritual - Vanilla
Kinship
The Bodycare Ritual - Unscented
Kinship
Luxury Vegan Brush Soap
Jenny Patinkin
Superkind Softening Cleanser
Tata Harper Skincare
Superkind Essentials
Tata Harper Skincare
Resurfacing Mask - 5ML
– Tata Harper Skincare
Tata Harper Skincare
Resurfacing Mask
Tata Harper Skincare
Clarifying Cleanser - 15ML
– Tata Harper Skincare
Tata Harper Skincare
Clarifying Cleanser
Tata Harper Skincare
5 Minute Facial
Tata Harper Skincare
Clarifying Cleanser CA
Credo Beauty
Clarifying Cleanser - 15ML
Credo Beauty
Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum
Credo Beauty
Air Brow - Clear
Kosas
Air Brow - Tinted
Kosas
GrowPotion
Kosas
Peptide Lengthening Mascara
SOSHE Beauty
Safety Assessment of Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol as U...
Priya Cherian, Wilma F Bergfeld, Donald V Belsito, Curtis D Klaassen, Daniel C Liebler, James G Marks + 6 more
International journal of toxicology, 2025
Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel: Maltitol and Maltitol Laurate
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Rereview not opened - use not supported: Glyceryl Collagenate, Glyceryl Sesquioleate, Glyceryl/Sorbitol Oleate/Hydroxystearate, Glyceryl Stearate/Maleate, and Glyceryl Thiopropionate
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Safety Assessment of Mannitol, Sorbitol and Xylitol as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Glyceryl/Sorbitol Oleate/Hydroxystearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Maltitol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Maltitol Laurate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
D-Sorbitol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Maltitol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Sorbitol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Sugar alcohols derived from lactose: lactitol, galactitol, and sorbitol.
Zhang W, Chen J, Chen Q, Wu H, Mu W
Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 2020
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR