Cyclodextrin ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily an encapsulating and odor-control agent, helping trap small volatile molecules and improve the apparent stability or delivery of fragrance, deodorant actives, and select cosmetic actives. It can also support solubilization of poorly water-soluble materials in aqueous formulas.
What does Cyclodextrin do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily an encapsulating and odor-control agent, helping trap small volatile molecules and improve the apparent stability or delivery of fragrance, deodorant actives, and select cosmetic actives. It can also support solubilization of poorly water-soluble materials in aqueous formulas.
Is Cyclodextrin clean?
From a clean beauty perspective, it is generally well-tolerated and not a common restricted-list concern. The main formulation watchout is functional, since it can bind some fragrance components or preservatives and change their free concentration in the formula.
Is Cyclodextrin sustainable?
This material is commonly made from starch sources such as corn or potato using enzymatic processing. It is generally biodegradable and has a favorable persistence profile compared with synthetic film-formers or silicone-based encapsulation systems.
Is Cyclodextrin COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulations when produced from eligible natural feedstocks by accepted enzymatic processing. It fits Green Chemistry well because it is starch-derived, made through relatively mild biocatalytic steps, and is biodegradable.
How does Cyclodextrin work chemically?
The molecule is a ring-shaped glucose oligomer with a water-compatible exterior and a relatively lipophilic inner cavity, which lets it form reversible inclusion complexes with small hydrophobic compounds. Typical cosmetic use levels are often around 0.1% to 5%, and formulators account for possible binding interactions with fragrance, preservatives, and actives when setting final concentrations.
Last updated 2026-05-13