Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch
AKA “SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE (II), SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE [II], SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE (MART.), SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE [MART.], Sodium starch glycolate type a, SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A (USP-RS), SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A [USP-RS], SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO (II)
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Sodium carboxymethyl starch
AKA: SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE (II), SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE [II], SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE (MART.), SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE [MART.], Sodium starch glycolate type a, SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A (USP-RS), SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A [USP-RS], SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO (II)
Synthetic · Emulsion Stabilising · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Clean
A plant-derived thickener that helps create a smooth, stable texture while forming a protective layer on skin. Keeps products from separating and gives them the right consistency.
Formula
C11H14FNO3S
Mol. Weight
259.30
CAS #
9063-38-1
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Viscosity Controlling
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a modified starch derivative. Used in cosmetics as a thickening and suspending agent, derived from starch sources that have been chemically modified with carboxymethyl groups.
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
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 Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch — Duck Heart Ghost