What it is
Hydroxypropyltrimonium maltodextrin crosspolymer is made by crosslinking maltodextrin, a polysaccharide from starch, and grafting it with positively charged hydroxypropyltrimonium groups. The resulting cationic polymer forms a light, even film on the skin and helps modify the texture and deposition of a formula. In sunscreens it can support a smooth, uniform layer and a comfortable finish.
Safety & warnings
A high-molecular-weight polymer that stays largely on the skin surface and is generally well tolerated, with no notable irritation or sensitization concerns at typical use levels.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic modification of a plant-derived base; the maltodextrin backbone typically comes from corn or other starch and is then chemically crosslinked and cationized.
Questions everyone asks
What does this crosspolymer do in a sunscreen?
It acts as a film former and texture modifier, helping the product spread into a smooth, even layer with a comfortable finish.
Is it derived from sugar?
Yes. Its backbone is maltodextrin, a starch-derived sugar polymer, that has been crosslinked and given a positive charge.