Distarch Phosphate
Cross-linked corn starch – a silicone and talc alternative. Provides a matte, dry after-feel and absorbs sebum. Common in primers, powders, and BB creams. Low allergenicity, non-comedogenic, pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Combination, Oily
- Use with caution
- Dry
About this ingredient
Distarch Phosphate is modified corn starch in which adjacent granules are cross-linked through phosphate bridges using sodium tripolyphosphate or phosphoryl chloride. The cross-linking makes the starch resistant to hydrolysis and temperature shifts, so it keeps its structure in finished cosmetic formulas. INCI: Distarch Phosphate. In food, it is listed as E1412. In cosmetics it works as a sebum absorbent and matte powdering agent. It substitutes cyclomethicone D5, dimethicone, talc, and aluminum silicate in clean formulas and in products for oily skin. It gives a dry, slippery after-feel and fills the relief of pores and fine lines. Use levels are 1-15%. Common in primers, RF/IR powders, BB creams, and deodorants. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption is absent – the starch molecule is too large. CIR rated the safety of modified starches as acceptable. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for acne-prone and oily skin. On very dry skin it can increase the feeling of tightness – a thick layer absorbs more moisture than the skin is willing to give up. Hypothetical inhalation risk. Loose powders with high distarch phosphate content (>10%) carry a theoretical inhalation risk when applied with a brush – CIR recommends limiting concentration in aerosol products. There are no restrictions for cream formulas and sticks. No standalone active effects. This is a sorption and sensorial texture component.
Frequently asked questions
Is Distarch Phosphate safe during pregnancy?
Distarch Phosphate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Distarch Phosphate for?
Distarch Phosphate suits: normal, combination, oily. Use with caution in: dry.
What is Distarch Phosphate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Cross-linked corn starch – a silicone and talc alternative.
Is Distarch Phosphate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Distarch Phosphate?
The INCI name is Distarch Phosphate. It may also appear as: Modified Corn Starch.
See Distarch Phosphate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride, Diutan Gum, Dodecyl Gallate, Erythrulose, Nitrocellulose, Polyquaternium-37, Stearalkonium Hectorite, C13-15 Alkane
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