Rice Starch

INCI Name

Oryza Sativa Starch

Botanical Name

Oryza sativa

Rice starch, derived from the finely milled grains of Oryza sativa, is a natural absorbent and texturizing agent used to improve skin feel and reduce greasiness in cosmetic formulations. Rich in amylose and amylopectin, it helps mattify and smooth the skin while offering a soft, powdery finish. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for sensitive and combination skin, often featured in dry shampoos, baby powders, and setting products.

image of seasonal or new products (for a pharmacy)
Primary Function
Botanical Extract
Add'l Function
Absorbent
Bulking Agent
Scent Profile
Neutral
Odorless
Is It Natural?
Naturally Derived (Processed)
Formulate with Confidence

Botanical Building Blocks for Every Blend

Icon of a face symbolizing skin type suitability

Skin Type Suitability

Sensitive
Oily
Combination
All
Icon of cosmetic bottles representing typical product use

Typical Product Use

Absorbent, bulking agent, skin protectant, mattifying agent, viscosity enhancer

Product Type(s):

Powder
Mask
Scrub
Cleanser
Dry Shampoo
General Use

Typical Usage Range:

1–30% (varies by product type; lower for leave-on formulations)

Icon of a heart symbolizing supportive qualities of the ingredient

Supportive Qualities

Absorbs excess oil, provides silky texture, soothes skin, used in traditional Asian skincare to promote smooth complexion

Primary Components:

Amylose, amylopectin, proteins, lipids

Icon of a caution triangle indicating important safety notes

Important to Know

Generally considered non-irritating; rare sensitivity possible in individuals with rice allergies

Icon of a magnifying glass representing sourcing tips

Sourcing Tips

Preferred Extraction Method:

Mechanical separation from milled rice

Look for cosmetic-grade, non-GMO rice starch; prefer sustainably sourced or organically certified suppliers

Icon of a target symbol indicating more information sources

More information*

Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:

Cosmetics Info
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
EWG's Skin Deep
INCIDecoder
SkinSAFE
SpecialChem

*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.