
General Description:
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a modified starch produced by the reaction of aluminum salts with octenylsuccinic anhydride and native starch (often derived from corn or other plants). The result is a white, fine powder that provides enhanced oil absorption, texture modification, and sensory benefits in cosmetic formulations. It improves the feel of skin and reduces greasiness in emulsions and anhydrous systems.
Uses in the Cosmetic Industry:
Controls shine and sebum in skin and hair products, especially for oily skin types.
Used in primers, foundations, and powders to give a smooth, matte finish. Improves spreadability, reduces tackiness, and enhances the skin feel of creams and lotions.
Provides body and viscosity control in formulations.
Absorbs oil and improves volume without leaving residue.
Can be used in sunscreens to improve application feel and stability.
Hazards:
Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use; does not readily penetrate the skin.
As a fine particulate, it may pose a respiratory hazard if inhaled in large quantities during manufacturing—use dust control measures.
May cause mild irritation if particles come into contact with the eyes. Inhalable powders in spray or loose form should comply with particle size safety regulations to avoid lung exposure.
CAS Number: 9087-61-0
INCI Name: Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Composition: Modified starch (typically corn starch)
- Chemically modified with octenylsuccinic anhydride and aluminum salts
- Functions as an oil-absorbing, texture-enhancing agent
Purity Grade: Cosmetic Grade (standard for skincare, color cosmetics, haircare)
- Food grade also available from some suppliers, but cosmetic use is more common
Appearance: Fine, white to off-white powder
- Odorless or very faint odor
Solubility: Insoluble in water and oils
- Dispersible in emulsions and oil-based systems
Preservation: Self-preserving due to its dry, inert nature
- No additional preservatives are typically required when used in powder form
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed
- Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight
Shelf life: Typically 2–3 years under proper condition
Raw Material Sources: Derived from plant-based starches (commonly corn or maize)
- Modified with synthetic agents (octenylsuccinic anhydride and aluminum salts)
Manufacture: Produced by esterifying starch with octenylsuccinic anhydride
- Followed by neutralization and reaction with aluminum salts to stabilize the starch molecule
- The product is then dried and milled into a fine powder
Animal Testing: Not tested on animals by ethical or cruelty-free suppliers
- Can be certified cruelty-free depending on manufacturer
GMO: Available in both GMO and non-GMO grades (specify with supplier)
- Non-GMO versions are preferred for natural and clean beauty formulations
Vegan: Yes – contains no animal-derived ingredients
- Plant-based and suitable for vegan formulations
Warning: Inhalation Risk: Fine powder may cause respiratory irritation if inhaled in large quantities during handling—use appropriate PPE (e.g., masks) in manufacturing settings
- Eye Contact: May cause mild mechanical irritation
For external use only—not intended for ingestion or use in aerosolized spray applications without proper formulation precautions
THE STORY OF ALUMINIUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate: The Invisible Touch of Soft-Matte Control
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a modified plant-based starch widely used in cosmetics for oil absorption, mattifying effect, and velvety skin feel. It enhances product textures, reduces shine, and improves spreadability — making it a key ingredient in modern skincare, suncare, and color cosmetics.
From Natural Starch to High-Performance Powder
Derived from native plant starch (typically corn), the material undergoes controlled esterification with octenylsuccinic anhydride and aluminum salts. This chemical modification improves oil-binding capacity, flow properties, and stability — transforming simple starch into a functional, high-efficiency cosmetic polymer.
Mattify. Smooth. Enhance.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate provides multiple functional benefits:
âś… Absorbs excess oil without drying skin
âś… Creates a soft-focus matte finish
âś… Improves pressability and binding in powder products
✅ Enhances sensory feel — silky, non-tacky, lightweight
âś… Reduces greasiness in emulsions and sunscreens
Used in foundations, face powders, primers, deodorants, sunscreens, dry shampoos, and lotions.
Stable, Safe & Formulator-Friendly
Typical usage level: 1–20% depending on product type.
Compatible with oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, hot and cold processing, and anhydrous systems.
Non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and globally compliant for cosmetic and personal-care use.
Store in cool, dry conditions to prevent clumping and maintain flowability.
Formulator’s Queries, We Answered
1. What is Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate used for in cosmetics?
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate** is widely used as an oil-absorbing, mattifying, and texture-enhancing agent in personal care products. It helps improve the skin feel of creams, lotions, sunscreens, foundations, and powders by reducing greasiness and shine.
2. What is the CAS number and INCI name of this ingredient?
CAS Number: 9087-61-0
INCI Name: Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
3. Is Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate safe for skin?
Yes, it is considered safe for topical use in cosmetic formulations. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing under normal conditions of use and is approved by global regulatory bodies such as the EU Cosmetic Regulation and FDA for use in personal care.
4. What does Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate do in a formulation?
It acts as a:
Mattifying agent – absorbs excess oil and reduces skin shine
Thickener and texture modifier – improves spreadability and reduces tackiness
Anti-caking agent – keeps powders free-flowing
Sensory enhancer – provides a soft, silky, powdery feel on the skin
5. Is Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate natural or synthetic?
It is a modified natural starch, typically derived from corn, and chemically treated with octenylsuccinic anhydride and aluminum salts. While modified, it retains a natural origin base and is often used in "naturally-derived" claims.
6. Is Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate suitable for vegan products?
Yes, it contains no animal-derived components and is considered vegan-friendly, assuming no animal testing is involved in the supply chain.
7. Does this ingredient contain GMOs?
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is available in both GMO and non-GMO forms. For clean beauty or natural certifications, non-GMO sourced versions are recommended and readily available from verified suppliers.
8. In what types of products is Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate used?
Common applications include:
Facial powders and foundations
Sunscreens (for improved spread and reduced greasiness)
Dry shampoos
Mattifying creams and primers
Deodorants and antiperspirants
Lotions and emulsions
9. Are there any safety concerns or warnings with this ingredient?
Low risk when used as directed
May cause mild eye irritation if particles enter the eyes
Inhalation of large amounts of the fine powder during manufacturing should be avoided—proper protective equipment (PPE) is recommended in industrial settings
10. Is Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate compliant with California Proposition 65?
Yes, it is not listed under California Proposition 65 and contains no known carcinogens or reproductive toxins under regulated cosmetic use.