Maltodextrin
Also known as Maltodextrin, Starch hydrolysate
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Maltodextrin (CAS 9050-36-6) is a polysaccharide derived by partial hydrolysis of starch (typically corn, wheat, or potato), yielding a mixture of glucose oligomers with dextrose equivalent (DE) less than 20. In cosmetics it functions as a binder, absorbent, and film-former. The CIR Expert Panel assessed maltodextrin and issued a final safety report in September 2015, finding it safe for use in cosmetic formulations (Finding=S, no qualifying conditions). No dedicated peer-reviewed PubMed studies on cosmetic skin safety of maltodextrin were identified; the evidence base rests on the CIR assessment and the ingredient's long history of food use (FDA GRAS).
Functions as binder, absorbent, and film-former in cosmetic formulations
High-molecular-weight polysaccharide with negligible skin penetration at typical use concentrations
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe as used in cosmetics (Final report 09/2015)
Long history of safe food use; FDA GRAS status supports safety plausibility
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — MALTODEXTRIN row: Finding=S, Citation='Final report 09/2015 available from CIR'
“Maltodextrin | S | | Final report 09/2015 available from CIR”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 73