Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin

What Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin is & what it does

Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin is a modified ring-shaped sugar molecule derived from starch. Its cone-shaped structure can trap other molecules inside it, so it is commonly used to stabilize, solubilize, or mask the odor of certain ingredients in a formula. In skincare it can help carry poorly soluble actives and improve the stability of fragrances and oils.

What does Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin do in skincare?

Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin is a ring-shaped sugar molecule that can trap other molecules inside it. It is commonly used to stabilize, dissolve, or mask the odor of hard-to-formulate ingredients, helping carry oils, fragrances, and certain actives.

Is Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin safe?

Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin is a modified sugar widely used in cosmetics and is generally regarded as safe and non-irritating at typical levels. It functions mainly as a carrier and stabilizer rather than an active.

Is Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin natural or synthetic?

It is derived from starch, a natural plant source, but then chemically modified, so it is best described as a nature-derived, semi-synthetic ingredient. Its plant origin generally makes it compatible with vegan formulas.

Sunscreens with Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin

We rate 69 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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