Dextrin

Dextrin is a starch-derived polysaccharide used mainly as a binder, film former, or viscosity/texture aid, typically at low-to-moderate concentrations in leave-on and rinse-off products. It is generally non-reactive and not a common irritant or sensitizer in patch-testing experience, with irritation usually limited to rare individual intolerance rather than an inherent irritant mechanism. Given its benign profile but acknowledging that no botanical/food-derived polymer is absolutely risk-free in severely compromised skin, it fits best as exceptionally gentle rather than completely inert. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, dextrin is most often a minor functional excipient (binder/film former, bulking agent, carrier for powders or botanicals), frequently appearing around 0.05–1% in leave-on lotions/serums and rinse-off cleansers where it supports texture or delivery. Much higher levels are seen in consumer-available powder masks, dry cleansers, enzyme/exfoliant powders, and some sheet-mask/patch or peel-off style systems where dextrin acts as a primary carbohydrate matrix/bulking component, reaching ~10–30%. There is no specific EU/FDA cosmetic concentration limit for dextrin; practical maximums are driven by aesthetics, viscosity/solubility, and product format rather than regulation.