Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Starch

Safety Information

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers triticum vulgare (wheat) starch Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) when used in cotton or cotton fabrics used in dry food packaging.

Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety

The safety of Triticum Vulgare (wheat) kernel flour and starch has been assessed by the Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety. The Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that wheat flour and wheat starch were safe as cosmetic ingredients. In 2001, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the Expert Panel considered available new data on wheat kernel flour and wheat starch and reaffirmed the above conclusion. Botanical and botanically derived ingredients used in the formulation of cosmetics are generally mild and safe. Prior to marketing the finished cosmetic product, the safety of each ingredient must be substantiated in accordance with 21 CFR 740.10. Safety substantiation of cosmetic ingredients may include tests for ocular and skin irritation as well as allergenicity, phototoxicity, photoallergenicity and mutagenicity, depending on the application or intended use. There is a considerable body of information about the safety of botanical ingredients and a well-established history of use. These resources are consulted to ensure the safety of these materials as they are used in cosmetics.

Triticum Vulgare (wheat) flour consists primarily of starch and gluten fractions. These ingredients are not toxic when administered orally. Dermatologic studies show these ingredients to be nonirritating and nonsensitizing. Studies of allergic respiratory disorders caused by chronic inhalation of Wheat Starch dust are numerous, but the cosmetic use of this ingredient does not provide the conditions under which such sensitization is likely to occur.

On the basis of the available information, the Expert Panel concluded that Triticum Vulgare (wheat) kernel flour and Triticum Vulgare (wheat) starch were safe is safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. Because some people are allergic to wheat, the FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires that all food containing wheat be clearly labeled.

Information about the FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidance…

Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for wheat starch http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr…

In selecting plant-derived ingredients for preparation of cosmetic products, formulators rely on the extensive history of their preparation and use. Such materials have been used for a long time and, based upon this experience, extensive knowledge of their safety has been gained. In the situation of newly identified botanicals in the cosmetic industry, appropriate ocular and skin safety studies are conducted prior to release into general commerce. There are many different references that describe the isolation, use and safety of botanical preparations.

More information about botanical ingredients.

Triticum Vulgare (wheat) kernel flour and Triticum Vulgare (wheat) starch may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in the European Union according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation:
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_p…

Resources

Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Starch

What Is It?

Triticum Vulgare (wheat) kernel flour is a fine, soft powder. Triticum Vulgare (wheat) starch can exist as a dry granular solid. Wheat kernel flour and wheat starch are used in the formulation of bath, body and hand, hair, and skin cleansing products.

Why Is It Used?

Wheat kernel flour and starch are used for abrading, smoothing, or polishing and as ingredients that have the capacity to absorb or soak up liquid.

These ingredients hold together the ingredients of a compressed tablet or cake; as non-reactive, solid ingredients that are used to dilute other solids, or to increase the volume of a product; and as substances that increase the thickness of the aqueous (water) portion of cosmetics and personal care products.

Scientific Facts

Wheat kernel flour and wheat starch are natural products obtained from milled grain of wheat, Triticum vulgare.

Wheat starch is the amylase and amylopectin-rich portion of wheat kernel flour. In cosmetics and personal care products, these two ingredients function as abrasives, absorbents, and viscosity increasing agents (aqueous).

In naming plants, botanists use a Latin name made up of the genus and species of the plant.

For example, under this system the plant, wheat is known as Triticum vulgare L., where “L” stands for Linneaus, who first described the type of plant specimen. Plants are also known by a common name that has been handed down through generations. These common names may vary from country to country. Therefore, Latin names, which are more likely to be recognized in many countries, are frequently used on the label of a product to identify an ingredient made from plants.