Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate

Sodium starch octenylsuccinate is a plant-derived, chemically modified starch used in cosmetics. It disperses oils into water, stabilizes emulsions, improves slip, and helps suspend pigments in lotions, sprays, sunscreens, and liquid makeup.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A modified starch that stabilizes formulas and keeps pigments mixed.
Category
Emulsifying, Tone/Texture
Type
Emulsifier

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Great

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It delivers a smooth, non-greasy finish and can make makeup appear more even by reducing clumping or separation, and improves slip for easier application and blending.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's common in lotions, setting mists, liquid foundations, and sunscreens to keep formulas uniform and comfortable on skin.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

It's considered low risk for irritation and suitable for most skin types. Rare sensitization is possible; discontinue if redness or itching occurs.

Is Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate a Good Ingredient?

It earns a Great rating as a well-established, stable polymer emulsifier that improves texture and pigment dispersion with a low irritation profile and broad formulation compatibility.

Products with Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate

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