Structure® Zea is a waxy maize starch-based rheology modifier designed for reconstitutable powdered products like hair bleaches and dyes, as well as emulsions such as skin creams and hair rinses. Its pre-swelled agglomerated powder form ensures rapid cold-water dispersibility, minimizing lumping and reducing mixing time. In powdered applications, it significantly boosts viscosity when mixed with water or peroxide solutions. For emulsions, Structure® Zea starch enhances stabilization, aesthetics, and rheology, delivering a creamier and richer look and feel. Its ease of use eliminates the need for separate mixing tanks, improving manufacturing efficiency.

INCI Name: Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

Ingredient Origin: Natural Origin

Labeling Claims: Biodegradable, Natural, Naturally Derived, Non-Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), Not Tested on Animals

Certifications & Compliance: Clean Air Act (CAA) Certified, Clean Water Act (CWA) Certified, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensations & Liability Act (CERCLA), Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS), National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)

Benefit Claims: Aesthetic Enhancement, Broad pH Stability, Creamy Texture, Curl Retention, Dust Reduction, Easy Dispersability, Easy To Use, Easy to Dissolve In Cold Water, Easy-To-Dilute, Excellent Stability, Frizz Control, Salt Tolerant, Substantivity, Viscosity Boosting

Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Features & Benefits

Benefit Claims
Labeling Claims
Key Features
FeaturesBenefits
Cold water-swellable

Outstanding dispersability in cold water; improved efficiencies can be achieved in manufacturing and consumer end-use

Nonionic

Can be used with cationic conditioning agents. Is also compatible with personal care ingredients common to powdered bleaches, dyes, and emulsions. Tolerates broad pH environments.

Modified waxy maize starch

Naturally-derived Biodegradable Improves emulsion stability Allows emulsions to feel richer, creamier, and more substantive

Large particle size

Very low dusting compared to typical powdered ingredients

Salt tolerant

Remains stable even in the presence of high electrolytes levels

Reconstitutable powders

1%, recommended concentrations depend on dilution factor

Emulsion stability and aesthetics

1% to 3%, significant viscosity effects at concentrations >3%

Applications & Uses

Markets
Applications
Application Format
Hair Care Applications
Skin Care Applications
Use Level
1%
Product Application
  • All natural creams
  • Lotions
  • Powdered bleach
  • Powdered hair dyes

Properties

Physical Form
Soluble In
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Emulsion Stability1 - 3%-
Dissolution Time173secs-
SDS Physical and Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Oxidising PropertiesThe substance or mixture is not classified as oxidizing.--
Explosive PropertiesNot Explosive--
Dust Deflagration Index49m.b/s-
Dust Explosion ClassSt1--
Flammability (Solid, Gas)Not classified as a flammability hazard--
Ignition Temperaturemin. 100°C-
pH Value (at 1 % solution)4.5 - 7--
OdorMild--
AppearanceWhite powder--
Soluble inWater--
Formulation Guidelines

Ease of use - Because Structure ZEA starch is an agglomerated, pre- gelatinized starch, it will dissolve in cold water almost instantly allowing for flexibility in manufacturing and formulation. The mixing of powdered dyes and bleaches with aqueous components is also made much easier for the end user. One can observe the effects of agglomeration (see below) by measuring the dissolution time the of Structure ZEA starch against a non-agglomerated version of the same modified waxy maize starch base.

Starch

Dissolution time (sec)

Structure ZEA starch173
Non-agglomerated Structure ZEA starch606

Rheology - Structure® Zea starch is extremely shear-thinning, with rapid viscosity recovery. This is an ideal property for hair and skin treatment products where good workability is desired, yet the formulation must set up instantly when shear is removed.Graph below shows a hysteresis loop of a 5% Structure® Zea starch solution. The near overlap of the increasing and decreasing shear sweeps demonstrates the pseudoplastic nature of this rheology modifier. A gap between the two curves would have indicated a longer viscosity recovery time, leaving a formulation prone to dripping when shear is removed.

Hysteresis loop of an aqueous dispersion of 5% Structure® Zea

Structure® Zea - Product Application - 1

Regulatory & Compliance

Storage & Handling

Storage Information

Structure® Zea starch should be stored in a cool, dry location away from heat, sparks or fire. Good industrial hygiene practices should be followed when working with this starch.