Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

What is Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate?

Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate is a chemically modified derivative of natural starches sourced from plants like corn or potatoes. The starch undergoes hydroxypropylation, adding hydroxypropyl groups, and phosphorylation, incorporating phosphate groups, to enhance water solubility, stability, and performance in cosmetics. Commonly found in cleansers, moisturizers, masks, and sunscreens, it functions by absorbing water and swelling to increase viscosity, providing a smooth, creamy texture. As a mild abrasive, it offers gentle physical exfoliation during cleansing. It also acts as a bulking agent to add volume and improve product spreadability, while controlling viscosity ensures even suspension of other ingredients, preventing separation and enhancing user experience across various formulation types.

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

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Abrasive
Provides gentle mechanical exfoliation and polishing, helping remove surface dead skin cells and improve smoothness and slip in scrubs and cleansers.
Bulking agent
Increases mass/volume to build structure and improve handling, commonly used to adjust feel, spread, and cost-in-use without acting as a primary active.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Delivers gentle mechanical exfoliation to smooth skin surface without harshness.

Enhances product thickness and stability for better application and feel.

Boosts volume and slip, improving overall texture in creams and cleansers.

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 using exfoliating cleansers for daily smoothness.
Those with rare starch-derived ingredient sensitivities.
People preferring stable, creamy moisturizers that spread easily.
People avoiding phosphate-modified thickeners.
Users seeking non-greasy formulas with oil-absorbing properties.
Individuals preferring completely unmodified natural starches.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard with minimal risk of irritation in cosmetic use.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores or contribute to acne.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

What is Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate?

A modified plant starch used to thicken and stabilize skincare products while providing gentle exfoliation.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, it has a low hazard rating and low irritation potential based on safety assessments.

Does it clog pores?

No, it carries a comedogenic rating of 0, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.