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Distarch Phosphate

What Distarch Phosphate is & what it does

A modified starch powder that absorbs oil and gives a smooth, soft, dry feel. It helps mattify and refine texture.

What is Distarch Phosphate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Distarch Phosphate is a modified starch powder, a starch whose chains have been lightly cross-linked with a phosphate group to make it more stable. In a sunscreen it works mainly as a mattifier and texture agent: it absorbs surface oil and gives the formula a smooth, soft, dry finish. That is why it shows up in mattifying face fluids and lotions rather than rich body creams.

Is Distarch Phosphate safe?

Yes. It is a modified starch, the same family of ingredients used as a food thickener and stabiliser, and it sits on the surface of the skin rather than penetrating it. It is non-reactive and well tolerated, which is why it appears in products aimed at sensitive and acne-prone skin. There is no meaningful safety concern from a starch powder at the levels used in cosmetics.

Does Distarch Phosphate clog pores?

Generally no. It is a dry, oil-absorbing powder rather than an oil or wax, so it is not one of the classic pore-clogging ingredients; if anything its job is to soak up excess oil. As with any powder, very acne-prone skin can occasionally react, but in a well-formulated sunscreen it is not a notable comedogenic flag.

Is Distarch Phosphate natural or synthetic?

It is plant-derived but processed. The starch itself comes from sources like corn, potato, or tapioca, then it is chemically modified with a phosphate cross-link to improve its stability and feel. So it starts natural but the finished ingredient is a modified, lab-treated version of that starch.

What is Distarch Phosphate on an ingredient list (INCI)?

"Distarch Phosphate" is the INCI name printed on the label, and it describes a starch whose chains are joined by phosphate cross-links. You may also see related names like Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate or Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, which are other modified starches used for the same soft, mattifying feel. It usually sits in the middle or lower part of the list, alongside the other powders and texture agents.

Sunscreens with Distarch Phosphate

We rate 104 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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