Sodium Dextrin Octenylsuccinate
AKA “Modified Starch Surfactant, Octenylsuccinate Starch”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Sodium dextrin octenylsuccinate
AKA: Modified Starch Surfactant, Octenylsuccinate Starch
Surfactant · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
Sodium salt of the reaction product of octenylsuccinic anhydride with Dextrin
See origin →
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
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.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Synthesized by chemically modifying dextrin starch with octenylsuccinic anhydride in the late 20th century. Created as a natural-derived emulsifier and thickening agent to replace synthetic alternatives.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
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 Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR