DEXTRIN
Dextrin is a family of smaller carbohydrates formed when starch is partly broken down. Rather than being one fixed molecule in every case, it contains glucose chains of different lengths, so its texture and behaviour can vary with the extent of starch processing.
DEXTRIN: what it is
Dextrin is a family of smaller carbohydrates formed when starch is partly broken down. Rather than being one fixed molecule in every case, it contains glucose chains of different lengths, so its texture and behaviour can vary with the extent of starch processing.
Its starting material may be starch from corn, potato, rice, wheat, tapioca, or other starch-rich plants. The material is made by controlled dry heating of starch and may be treated with acid or alkali beforehand. Seeing Dextrin on an ingredient list does not identify which of those plant sources supplied it.
DEXTRIN: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, Dextrin can take up some surface moisture and oily material, which can support a less sticky feel in dry-touch preparations. It can also add body to a blend, helping a powder or another base feel more substantial without making the texture behave like a heavy cream.
As a binder, it helps solid components stay together; in viscosity control, it helps tune the gap between a formula that runs too freely and one that is hard to spread. Those roles concern the product's build, feel, and physical behaviour. They do not amount to treatment for acne, dark spots, or wrinkles.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
