Ingredient deep-dive
Rice Starch: Is It a Microplastic?
Not a microplastic. A plant starch used for oil absorption and a soft-focus finish, and one of the main replacements for Nylon-12 and PMMA microspheres in clean-formulated powders.
Where it appears
- Loose and pressed powders
- Dry shampoo
- Mattifying primers
- Baby powder
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Permitted; natural polymer, exempt.
United States
Permitted.
Cleaner alternatives
- No swap needed — this is the swap for nylon powders
Use the app
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Download on the App StoreRice Starch, common questions
Is Rice Starch a microplastic?
Is Rice Starch banned?
What can I use instead of Rice Starch?
What products contain Rice Starch?
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