Maize Starch, 1 kg

Corn starch obtained from the kernels of maize (Zea mays) is used both in home and professional cosmetics manufacturing primarily as a moisture absorbent and an ingredient that gives powder products a matte, smooth feel on the skin. It is an essential component in the production of body powders, dry shampoos and solid deodorants, and when heated in water it also serves as a thickener. It is supplied in food-grade quality and free from GMO-derived ingredients.

What corn starch is suitable for

• Absorbing moisture and excess oil – starch granules bind moisture and excess sebum, which is why starch is added to body powders, foot powders and dry shampoos intended to refresh the skin or hair without water.
• Matte, smooth feel – in powder blends it improves slip and reduces shine. In whipped body butters and balms it reduces the greasy feel after application.
• Thickening when heated – when heated in water, starch swells and forms a gel. This is useful for simple gel masks and recipes in which the water phase is heated.
• Filler and carrier – in bath bombs and bath salts it firms the pressed mass, slows down fizzing and dilutes concentrated components such as dyes or essential oils in powder blends.

Use in formulation

Starch is easiest to work with in anhydrous powder products. It is weighed together with the other powders (kaolin, clays, baking soda, arrowroot) and mixed thoroughly, or sifted through a fine sieve to prevent lumps in the blend. Essential oils or fragrance compounds are folded into the powder blend drop by drop, and the blend is then sifted again.

In cold water, corn starch does not dissolve – it only disperses and eventually settles to the bottom. It thickens only when heated: it is first mixed into a small amount of cold water and then added to the hot water phase with constant stirring, where it thickens. Adding it directly to hot water causes lumps to form.

Starch does not dissolve in oils or butters and remains in them as a fine suspension. It should therefore be added to whipped body butter only at the end of whipping, in a small proportion, and mixed in thoroughly so that it disperses evenly and does not settle to the bottom of the container.

Suitable for products such as

• Body powders and foot powders, where the primary role is to absorb moisture.
• Dry shampoos in powder form, either alone or combined with kaolin or cocoa for toning.
• Solid and cream deodorants, where it complements baking soda and softens the texture.
• Bath bombs, bath salts and fizzing tablets as a filler.
• Whipped body butters and balms, where it reduces the greasy feel.
• Thickened masks and poultices prepared hot for immediate use.

Good to know

Dosage depends on the type of product and the other ingredients. In powders and dry shampoos starch is often one of the main components; in body butters it is only a minor addition.

Frequently asked questions