Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin
- Role
- A ring-shaped oligosaccharide that holds fragrance molecules and conditions the skin.
- Catalog formulas
- 3
- Type
- Skin care
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
Hydroxypropyl ethers of beta-cyclodextrin, a ring-shaped oligosaccharide derived from starch. INCI functions: skin conditioning and fragrance ingredient; the EMA notes that it solubilises fragrance materials and retains them on the skin surface, prolonging the scent.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In deodorants it can help dissolve the fragrance and hold it for longer. It does not reduce sweating.
The EMA review of cyclodextrins as excipients in medicines (2013) cites data showing that HP-β-CD is very poorly absorbed through the skin (0.02% of the applied amount over 24 hours in hairless mice) and that studies on antigenicity, mutagenicity and topical irritation found it as safe as materials used in perfumes and cosmetics.
According to the EMA review, HP-β-CD is comparable in topical irritation to materials already used in cosmetics; an individual reaction to the finished product is possible.
Do not confuse it with Cyclomethicone or Cyclopentasiloxane: "cyclo" here refers to a ring-shaped sugar, not a ring-shaped silicone.
Products containing Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin Supports: INCI functions, substance identity
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe): Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin Supports: substance description
- EMA: Cyclodextrins used as excipients (EMA/CHMP/333892/2013) Supports: fragrance retention, skin absorption, safety assessment