Rice Maltodextrin

Rice Maltodextrin is a plant-derived carbohydrate polymer produced from enzymatically processed rice starch. It's used as a film former and texture aid in skincare, improving product spreadability and giving a soft-touch finish.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A rice starch that forms a silky film, helping makeup glide on evenly.
Category
Skin Conditioning
Type
Film Former

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Forms a breathable veil that leaves skin feeling silky and can help makeup apply more evenly, though support for these effects is limited. Contributes to a smooth, refined finish on the skin's surface.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Included in primers, lotions, and gels to improve slip and help formulas set without tackiness, and in sunscreens to improve feel on application.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Considered low risk and broadly used; rarely may cause mild dryness or tightness or irritation. No known cosmetic-use restrictions in typical concentrations.

Is Rice Maltodextrin a Good Ingredient?

Fair, because it provides real film-forming slip and a soft feel, but the benefits are mainly sensory with limited clinical backing. There's a low but possible irritation risk, especially when layered with strong actives, which keeps it out of Good.

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