Cornstarch
Natural Absorbency for Skin and Scalp
What Is Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is a fine, silky powder made from corn. It is produced through a process called wet milling, where dried corn kernels are soaked, ground, and separated to isolate the starch from the protein, fiber, and germ. The starch is then dried and filtered into the familiar soft, white powder.
In personal care, cornstarch is valued for its absorbency, softness, and skin comfort. It is commonly used as a natural, talc-free alternative for absorbing moisture and oil while remaining gentle on the skin.
Why We Use Cornstarch
We use cornstarch in a variety of products where oil control, moisture absorption, and a smooth skin feel are especially important. Its ability to absorb moisture without irritating the skin makes it useful across hair care, deodorants, and soap.
Cornstarch in Dry Shampoo & Scalp Care
In dry shampoos, cornstarch helps absorb excess oil and moisture from the scalp and hair, extending time between washes while leaving hair feeling soft and light rather than heavy or gritty.
Key Scalp Benefits
- Oil Absorption: Effectively absorbs excess sebum and moisture, reducing a greasy appearance
- Soothing: Helps calm minor scalp irritation and itchiness
- Gentle: A simple, natural, synthetic-free, aerosol-free alternative to commercial products, making it a good option for sensitive scalps
Cornstarch in Natural Deodorant
In natural deodorants, cornstarch functions primarily as a moisture and oil absorber, helping keep underarms feeling dry and comfortable.
Key Benefits in Deodorant
- Moisture Control: Absorbs sweat and dampness
- Oil Absorption: Absorbs excess oils from the ingredients to prevent a greasy feel
- Odor Support: By reducing moisture, it helps limit odor formation
- Reduces Friction: Helps minimize chafing by keeping skin dry and smooth
- Improves Application: Fine, smooth particles reduce application drag, creating a smoother, less irritating application
- Soothing: Gentle and non-irritating for delicate underarm skin
- Improves Texture: Adds a soft, silky feel and helps products spread more easily
Cornstarch in Natural Soap
In soap, cornstarch is used not as an exfoliant, but to improve skin feel and lather quality. It adds a smooth, velvety texture to the finished bar and to the lather itself — often compared to the feel of silk, without using animal-derived ingredients.
Key Benefits in Natural Soap
- Silky Skin Feel: Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and comfortable
- Oil Absorption: Helps manage excess oil, beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin
- Soothing: Calms irritated or itchy skin
- Improved Lather: Contributes to a creamier, thicker, and longer-lasting lather
- Scent Support: Helps anchor essential oils during curing, slowing fragrance loss
Organic vs. Conventional Cornstarch
Organic cornstarch is made from corn grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and without genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While organic and non-organic cornstarch are nutritionally identical, organic standards ensure cleaner agricultural practices and exclude certain chemical inputs.
Our cornstarch is 100% certified organic, made from non-GMO corn, and carefully chosen for use in products designed to be gentle on skin and scalp.
