Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch

Sodium carboxymethyl starch is a water-soluble, modified starch polymer made by introducing carboxymethyl groups to a starch backbone. It's used to thicken formulas, stabilize dispersed phases, and improve product spread and feel.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A modified starch that thickens formulas and improves their feel.
Category
Emulsifying
Type
Thickener

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Great

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It adds a plush, uniform glide and reduces runniness, helping applications feel controlled, and contributes to a smoother, more cushioned skin feel without heaviness.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's used in creams, lotions, and cleansing gels to build body and keep texture consistent during storage and use.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

It's generally well tolerated; irritation is uncommon but possible for very sensitive skin, especially in high-use rinse-off products. No notable regulatory restrictions apply at normal cosmetic levels.

Is Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch a Good Ingredient?

It earns a Great rating as a well-established, water-soluble thickener that reliably stabilizes viscosity and texture, with low irritation potential and good formulation stability across typical cosmetic pH ranges.

Products with Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch

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