An acetylated starch used as an emollient and conditioning ingredient.
What it is
Starch acetate is the product obtained by reacting starch with acetic acid, a starch in which some hydroxyl groups are converted to acetate esters. CosIng lists it as an emollient, hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of products, such as hair care and skin care products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name does not reveal the botanical source of the starch or the degree of acetylation.
Functions
- Skin conditioning – emollient
- Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.

