Rice starch

Rice starch

Rice starch is the main carbohydrate component of rice grains, consisting of tiny, insoluble granules made up of the polymers amylose and amylopectin. It is obtained by separating the starch fraction from rice flour and is widely used as a functional ingredient in Personal Care and Cosmetics applications. Polygal uses 100% European rice starch sources, ensuring consistent quality, traceability, and compliance with cosmetic regulations. In contrast to rice flour, cosmetic-grade rice starch contains little to no protein, making it particularly suitable for sensitive skin, baby care, and hypoallergenic formulations.

Composition & structure

Rice starch belongs to the family of native cereal starches and shares the same basic building blocks as other starches, but with some unique structural features:

Polymers:

Amylose – mostly linear chains of α-D-(1,4) linked glucose units

Amylopectin – highly branched polymer with α-D-(1,4) and α-D-(1,6) linkages

Granule size: approx. 2–10 μm

significantly smaller than corn, potato or tapioca starch

contributes to a smooth, silky, non-gritty sensory profile on the skin instantly

Compound granules

many tiny granules form one amyloplast, improving adhesion and powder distribution

High whiteness & low protein content

ideal for colour cosmetics, baby powders, deodorant powders and dry shampoos

These structural characteristics give rice starch a soft, creamy gel, neutral sensory profile, and excellent whiteness, which are highly valued in baby food, dairy, confectionery, and cosmetic powders.

How rice starch is produced

Commercial rice starch is produced by separating starch from the rest of the rice kernel (proteins, lipids, fibre), typically via wet processing:

Steeping/soaking of milled or broken rice in a dilute alkaline solution (e.g. NaOH) to soften the kernels and solubilise proteins.

Grinding the softened rice to a slurry and removing cell wall fragments by screening.

Starch–protein separation by allowing starch to settle, then removing the protein-rich supernatant.

Washing and decanting to remove residual soluble material and alkali.

Dewatering and drying (filtering / centrifuging, then oven or drum drying) to obtain a low-moisture starch “cake” that is finally ground and sieved to the desired particle size distribution.

Polygal’s approach

Rice starch is purchased from selected European raw material suppliers, then gently blended and refined at our Swiss headquarters. This refinement step is tailored for cosmetic and personal care applications, preparing the starch for use in dry shampoos, make-up, and other personal care formulations.

Technology

Very fine
particle size (≈2–8 μm)

soft, silky touch

excellent spreadability

smooth, matte finish

minimal residue on hair and skin

High
whiteness

natural opacifying effect

brightening in powders and emulsions

ideal for talc replacement

Neutral
odour & taste

no off-notes in
leave-on products

compatible with fragrances

Hypoallergenic
profile

extremely low protein content

suitable for baby care and sensitive skin

Oil & moisture
absorption

controls sebum

supports mattifying products

improves dry shampoo and deodorant performance

Property

Granule size

Colour

Skin feel

Allergen profile

Cosmetic performance

Rice starch

2–8 μm (very fine)

Very white

Soft, silky, non-gritty

Hypoallergenic

Excellent mattifying & sensory profile

Corn starch

15–25 μm

Yellowish

Firmer feel

Contains residual proteins

Less smooth

Tapioca starch

20–35 μm

Greyish

Slightly sticky

May feel tacky

Smooth but sticky

Potato starch

15–80 μm

White

Sticky

Can leave residue

Powdery, can drag

Application of Rice Starch for Personal Care

While many people know and use rice starch primarily in the food industry, Polygal focuses on producing high-purity rice starch specifically for the cosmetics and personal care sector.

Rice starch has a long history as a cosmetic dusting powder, especially in face powders, because:

Very fine particles adhere gently to the skin

Provide a soft, matte finish

Offer good oil absorption

They are perceived as natural and gentle, even for sensitive and baby skin.

Modern personal care uses include:

Face & body powders

Mattifying foundations and primers

Baby powders and soothing powders

Dry shampoos

Deodorant and antiperspirant powders

Polygal’s personal care rice starches

At Polygal, we transform high-quality rice starch into tailor-made grades for personal care and cosmetics, processing and refining them at our Swiss headquarters for consistent performance and regulatory compliance.

Polycos Soft Touch

Composition:
Physically modified rice (Oryza Sativa) starch

View product

Polycos RS

Composition:
Physically modified rice (Oryza Sativa) starch

View product

Polycos RS-UF

Composition:
Physically modified rice (Oryza Sativa) starch and Cetrimoniumchloride

View product

CHECK OTHER MATERIALS WE USE