Hydroxypropyl Starch Ether (HPS) for Food, Cosmetics, and Daily Chemicals

Let’s start with the basics: CAS 9049 76 7. If you work with stabilizers or rheology modifiers, you’ve bumped into this one. HPS is a fine white powder—derived from natural plant starch—modified via etherification and then spray-dried without plasticizers. In practice, that means fast thickening, medium viscosity, decent water retention, and (surprisingly strong) sag resistance in tile adhesive formulations. Yes, despite its foodie credentials, it’s popular in wall putty too. Welcome to the real world where materials moonlight across industries.

Industry snapshot: what’s trending

Two currents are shaping demand: clean-label leaning (even for modified starches, transparency matters) and multifunctionality—buyers want one ingredient to thicken, stabilize, and keep systems smooth. In adhesives and putties, the buzz is about superior anti-sag and trowelability; in cosmetics, silky skin-feel without tack; and in foods, steady viscosity during heat/cold cycles. HPS under 9049 76 7 ticks many boxes, provided you choose the right grade.

Typical specifications (food/cosmetic-capable grades)

Process flow and quality gates

Materials: food-grade starch (corn/potato); propylene oxide; water. Methods: controlled etherification → neutralization → washing → filtration → spray drying → milling. Key tests: MS/DS, viscosity curve, moisture, pH, microbiology (food/cosmetic lines), and residuals per JECFA/FDA limits. Service life: typically 24 months if kept sealed. To be honest, most buyers also ask about ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and Halal/Kosher—available on request.

Where it works (and why)

• Food: sauces, soups, dairy—cold/hot stability; freeze–thaw tolerance. CAS 9049 76 7 grade must meet E1440/FDA specs.
• Cosmetics: creams, gels, masks—smooth glide, non-tacky finish, electrolyte tolerance.
• Daily chemicals: detergents, hand soap—suspending pearlizers, stable viscosity.
• Construction (dedicated industrial grade): tile adhesive/wall putty—fast thickening, superior sag resistance, better workability.

Customer feedback? Operators say it wets quickly, disperses cleanly, and holds viscosity across batches—honestly that’s what keeps production managers calm.

Vendor comparison (quick take)

Customization, test data, cases

Customization: target viscosity windows, particle size (mesh), and MS tuning for cold-thickening vs heat-process lines. Internal lab data: at 2% in water, 20°C, Brookfield ≈4,500±500 mPa·s (typical mid-grade); in C2 tile adhesive, water retention up by 8–12% and sag reduced ≈30% vs control (EN methods). Real-world results vary—aggregation, mixing energy, and salts matter.

• Case A (yogurt): reduced whey-off after 3 freeze–thaw cycles; smoother spoon feel.
• Case B (cream gel): faster build to target viscosity, nicer slip without drag.
• Case C (tile adhesive): trowel ridges hold shape; fewer tile slips on verticals.

Sourcing notes

Origin: 1601, Block B, New Century Diamond Plaza, No. 466 Zhongshan East Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. Packaging usually 25 kg bags; store cool and dry. For food/cosmetic use under 9049 76 7, request full regulatory dossier—CoA, MSDS, allergen, and residual solvent statements.

Citations

1. US FDA, 21 CFR 172.892 – Food starch-modified: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-172.892
2. FAO/WHO JECFA – Modified Starches (specifications): https://www.fao.org/food/chemical-risks/jecfa/specifications/en/
3. EU Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 – E-number specs (E1440 Hydroxypropyl starch): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/
4. EU CosIng database – Hydroxypropyl Starch Ether (INCI): https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/cosmetics/cosing/