Maltodextrin

What is Maltodextrin?

Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate obtained through the controlled hydrolysis of plant starches, primarily from corn, rice, potatoes, or wheat. This results in a white, odorless powder composed of glucose polymers with varying chain lengths, making it highly versatile in cosmetic formulations across skincare, makeup, hair care, and cleansers. It functions by interacting with water and oils due to its hydrophilic nature, enabling absorption of excess sebum for a matte finish. In powders and pressed products, it binds particles for durability and smooth application. As an emulsion stabilizer, it thickens formulas to prevent separation and enhance shelf life. It forms lightweight films that improve product adherence without heaviness, while also suspending pigments or actives evenly. In hair and skin products, it deposits a softening layer, enhancing sensory qualities like slip and manageability without residue.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Absorbent
Absorbs water and/or sebum to reduce greasiness and shine, improve dry touch, and help keep powders and emulsions feeling lighter on skin.
Binder
Helps hold solid ingredients together to form cohesive tablets, compacts, or sticks, improving pressability, integrity, and wear of the finished product.
Emulsion stabilizer
Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.
Film former
Creates a continuous film on skin or hair to improve wear, water resistance, transfer resistance, shine, or hold in sunscreens, makeup, and styling products.
Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Suspending agent
Keeps insoluble particles (pigments, beads, actives) evenly dispersed by increasing viscosity or forming a network, preventing settling and separation.
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.

Benefits

Absorbs oils to mattify skin and reduce shine in powders and creams.

Stabilizes emulsions and suspensions for consistent product texture and performance.

Conditions skin and hair, promoting smoothness and easier application.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with oily or combination skin seeking shine control.
Those with rare allergies to specific starch sources like corn or wheat.
Users of makeup and powders wanting improved wear and blendability.
Individuals sensitive to carbohydrate-derived fillers in high concentrations.
People preferring plant-based ingredients in daily skincare routines.
People avoiding multi-functional excipients in minimalistic formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by major cosmetic safety assessors.
  • Minimal reports of irritation in standard cosmetic use.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maltodextrin

What is maltodextrin made from?

It's derived from hydrolyzed starches of plants like corn, rice, potato, or wheat.

Is maltodextrin safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, it shows low irritation potential in cosmetic applications.

Does maltodextrin help with oily skin?

It absorbs sebum to provide a drier, matte finish.