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Corn (Zea Mays) Starch
AKA “Zea Mays”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Corn (Zea Mays) starch
Synthetic · Absorbent · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
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.
CAS #
223239-90-5
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Absorbent
Film-Former
Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Thickener
Absorbs Excess Oil
Creates Protective Barrier
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
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
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
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
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