Ingredient dictionary

Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate

A mix of sugar alcohols made from starch, used mainly to attract and hold water in a formula. It is on the label of 7 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 Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate does

Attracts and holds water in the skin
Helps creams and lotions feel smooth
Adds bulk and a soft, cushioned feel

Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate starts as plant starch, often from corn. Water is used to break the starch into shorter sugar chains. These are then hydrogenated, meaning hydrogen is added to them, which turns the sugars into sugar alcohols. The result is a stable mix that dissolves easily in water.

Formulators use it as a humectant, an ingredient that pulls water toward the skin or hair and helps keep it there. It also adds body, giving creams and lotions a smooth, slightly cushioned feel. It is generally regarded as gentle, so it appears in products for many skin types.

Good for

Suits moisturizers, lotions and hair products that need extra water-holding power.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate the same as sugar?

Not exactly. It begins as starch, which is broken into sugar chains, but hydrogenation turns those sugars into sugar alcohols. These hold water well and are used for feel and hydration, not for sweetness, so they behave differently from table sugar on the skin.

Is Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate safe for sensitive skin?

It is generally considered gentle for most skin types. No ingredient suits everyone, so if your skin is sensitive, test a new product on a small patch first and check the full ingredient list for other triggers.