Hydroxypropyltrimonium Maltodextrin Crosspolymer
AKA “Maltodextrin Polymer
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Hydroxypropyltrimonium maltodextrin crosspolymer
AKA: Maltodextrin Polymer
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Cleanser
Clean
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Maltodextrin Crosspolymer is a crosslinked polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of maltodextrin and glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (CAS 3033-77-0) with epichlorohydrin (CAS 106-89-8)
CAS #
-
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Surfactant Cleansing
Antioxidant
Improves Elasticity
Lifts away dirt and oil
Traditional Use
Maltodextrin, a starch-derived oligosaccharide, was quaternized and crosslinked in the late 20th century. Developed as a natural-origin polymeric conditioning and thickening agent for modern cosmetics.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
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 Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR