Ingredient dictionary

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a starch that has been chemically modified and paired with aluminum. Its main job is to absorb oil and give a dry, smooth feel. It is on the label of 25 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate does

Absorbs excess oil on the skin
Gives a soft, dry-touch finish
Helps keep formulas smooth and spreadable

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate starts as a plant starch, often from corn or tapioca. The starch is treated with octenyl succinic anhydride, a chemical that adds a short oil-loving tail to each starch molecule. The modified starch is then paired with aluminum to form a fine, dry powder.

Formulators use it because the modified starch soaks up surface oil on the skin. It can make a lotion or treatment feel lighter and less greasy, with a soft, slightly powdery finish. It also helps keep oil and water parts of a formula evenly mixed, so the product spreads smoothly.

Good for

Suits body lotions and spot products for oily or shiny skin, and anyone who likes a light, non-greasy feel.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate safe?

It is widely used in cosmetics and is generally well tolerated. Like any ingredient, it can irritate a sensitive person, so patch testing a new product on a small area first is a sensible habit.

Is the aluminum in this ingredient the same as in antiperspirants?

No. Antiperspirant aluminum salts are made to reduce sweating. This ingredient is a starch powder meant to absorb oil on the skin's surface, not to stop sweat.