Corn (Zea Mays) Gluten Protein
AKA “Zea Mays
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Corn (Zea Mays) gluten protein
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Humectant
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
⚠ Allergen Alert (Wheat/Gluten): Derived from a common allergen source. May cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
CAS #
65072-01-7
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Binder
Bulking
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
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.
Holds Formula Together
Adds Body & Volume
Softens & Smooths
Conditions Hair
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
Brightens Skin
Traditional Use
Corn protein has been used in traditional Asian skincare formulations for its conditioning and protective film-forming properties. Modern extraction and use in cosmetics represents a refinement of historical grain-based skincare ingredients.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Gluten / Wheat
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
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 Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR