A fine, plant-derived starch milled from the arrowroot rhizome. In cosmetics it’s valued as a lightweight, talc-free absorbent that adds a silky feel, reduces greasiness, and helps control surface oil in skin and hair products.

It mattifies and improves slip so creams and balms feel less greasy. In body powders it helps absorb moisture and reduce chafing. It also enhances the silky, soft-focus finish of lotions and mineral powders.

Arrowroot absorbs sweat and oil, reducing tack while improving spreadability. It’s a popular baking-soda alternative/partner to keep formulas gentle; many users find arrowroot less irritating than high-pH baking soda alone.

Yes. It’s a classic dry-shampoo base—it soaks up scalp oil, adds light volume/texture, and brushes out cleanly on most hair. For very dark hair, look for blends tinted with cocoa or iron oxides to minimize any cast.

All absorb oil/moisture, but arrowroot tends to feel silkier and lighter, with less clumping in anhydrous balms. Cornstarch is common and cost-effective; rice starch is very fine and soft-focus. Many formulas blend them for the best feel.

Generally very well-tolerated and fragrance-free. It’s a good option when you want talc-free and baking-soda-reduced formulas. As always, patch test if you’re highly reactive.

It’s typically considered non-comedogenic at cosmetic use levels. Because it’s a dry absorbent, the overall formula and your routine matter more—pair with gentle cleansing if you use powders frequently.

It mainly absorbs moisture and oil; this indirectly helps odor. For stronger odor control, formulators often pair it with zinc ricinoleate, magnesium salts, diatomaceous earth, or low-level baking soda.

For very oily skin, arrowroot helps reduce shine; balance with non-stripping cleansers. For very dry skin, use it in small percentages within richer creams so you keep the soft-matte finish without over-mattifying.

Look for INCI: Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder (sometimes Maranta Arundinacea Root Starch). You’ll see it in deodorants, body powders, dry shampoos, lotions, masks, and balms.