| What is it? |
Corn starch is starch isolated from corn. It’s a common kitchen ingredient, where it is often used for thickening. |
| INCI |
Zea Mays Starch |
| Appearance |
Fine white powder |
| Usage rate |
Up to 100% |
| Texture |
Soft, smooth, silky |
| Scent |
None |
| Solubility |
Insoluble |
| Why do we use it in formulations? |
In anhydrous products it helps reduce the greasy/oily skin feel, and in higher concentrations it can give the entire product a powdery, dry-touch finish and contribute to thickening. In powdered cosmetics it acts as a diluent and improves slip. It can also be used in dusting powders, or even used as-is for a dusting powder. |
| Do you need it? |
No, but there’s a good chance you already have it! |
| Strengths |
Readily available, inexpensive and effective ingredient. |
| Weaknesses |
Unsuitable for anyone with corn allergies. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions |
Other starches, like wheat or arrowroot, and good alternatives to corn starch. |
| How to Work with It |
In anhydrous products, add to the oil phase—I like to let it soak with the liquid/melted oils and then stir everything together. In powdered products, include it in the grinding phase. |
| Storage & Shelf Life |
Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks |
Some companies sell corn starch in a shaker bottle as a natural baby powder—if you want to try that just put your own (cheaper!) corn starch in a shaker bottle! |
| Recommended starter amount |
100g (3.3oz) |
| Where to Buy it |
Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
Some Formulations that Use Corn Starch
- DIY Whipped Shea Butter: 3 Ways
- Rosehip Oat Solid Oil Serum
- Kombo Shea Butter Balm
- Mango Rosehip Solid Facial Oil
- Ice Palace Sulfate-Free Shampoo Bar
- Gentle Clay Facial Cleansing Bar
- Bubbly Bath Dough
- Super Simple Whipped Shea Butter
- Passionfruit Coconut Matte Velvet Moisturizer
- Chocolate Cherry Whipped Body Butter
- Foaming Coconut Bath Milk
- Soothing Cedarwood Ointment
- Eucalyptus Mint Foot Butter
- The Best Homemade Deodorant