Safety Assessment of Starch Phosphates as Used in Cosmetics

Area of Science:

• Cosmetic Science
• Toxicology
• Ingredient Safety Assessment

Background:

• Cosmetic formulations utilize various ingredients for specific functions.
• Starch phosphates are employed in cosmetics for properties like anticaking, binding, and viscosity increase.
• Ensuring the safety of cosmetic ingredients is crucial for consumer protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety of four specific starch phosphate ingredients in cosmetic products.
• To evaluate the functions of Distarch Phosphate, Distarch Phosphate Acetate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, and Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate in cosmetics.

Main Methods:

• Review of available scientific data pertaining to the safety of the specified starch phosphates.
• Consideration of the reported functions and usage concentrations in cosmetic formulations.
• Expert evaluation by the Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.

Main Results:

• Distarch Phosphate functions as an anticaking agent and binder.
• Distarch Phosphate Acetate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, and Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate function as viscosity increasing agents.
• The safety assessment considered the ingredients' use in current cosmetic practices.

Conclusions:

• The Expert Panel concluded that the four assessed starch phosphates are safe for use in cosmetics.
• Safety is affirmed within the described practices of use and concentrations.
• The findings support the continued use of these ingredients in cosmetic formulations.