Starphere S5-WH23SA10

Biodegradable Starch Beads with Encapsulated Salicylic Acid

INCI Name: Zea Mays (Corn) Starch / Mannitol / Microcrystalline Cellulose / Salicylic Acid / Sucrose / Hydrogenated Lecithin

Starphere S5-WH23SA10 is an innovative delivery system that encapsulates Salicylic Acid (BHA) in biodegradable, off-white starch beads. These beads provide visual appeal in formulas and burst upon application, delivering the active ingredient directly to the skin for effective, targeted exfoliation. The 700–1000 μm particle size offers a satisfying sensory experience without harshness, making it perfect for modern treatment products.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Acne Treatment Serums

Provides targeted delivery of Salicylic Acid to help clear pores and reduce blemishes, with a visual cue that signals the product's function.
Exfoliating Facial Cleansers

The beads burst during cleansing to release BHA for gentle chemical exfoliation, enhancing the purifying action of the wash.
Clarifying Face Masks

Creates a professional, spa-like experience where the beads remain suspended in the mask and release their contents upon massaging the product into the skin.
Body Acne Treatments

Ideal for body sprays and lotions targeting breakouts on the back and chest, ensuring the Salicylic Acid is stable and delivered effectively upon application.
Scalp Care Products

Incorporates easily into scalp serums and treatments to help exfoliate the scalp, remove product buildup, and clarify hair follicles.
Pore-Refining Toners

Suspends in thicker gel-toners to provide a burst of Salicylic Acid that helps minimize the appearance of pores.

How to Use Starphere S5-WH23SA10 in Your Formulations

Understanding Starphere S5-WH23SA10

Starphere S5-WH23SA10 is a smart delivery system that adds both functional power and visual excitement to your cosmetic products. Think of these off-white beads as tiny, protective capsules that hold Salicylic Acid (a Beta-Hydroxy Acid or BHA) safe and stable within your formula. When your customer rubs the product onto their skin, the gentle pressure causes the beads to break, releasing the Salicylic Acid precisely where it’s needed. This process provides a satisfying sensory experience and ensures the active ingredient is delivered fresh upon use.

For the expert formulator, this encapsulation technology, built on a biodegradable corn starch matrix, protects the Salicylic Acid from potential interactions with other ingredients in the formula, enhancing overall product stability. The friction-based release mechanism offers a controlled way to deliver a powerful BHA, making it ideal for targeted treatments.

How to Use This Ingredient

Formulating with these beads is straightforward. The recommended usage rate is typically between 0.5% and 3%, depending on the desired visual density and level of active delivery.

Always add Starphere S5-WH23SA10 during the final stage of your formulation—the cool-down phase—when the product is below 40°C (104°F). Adding them to a hot mixture will cause the starch-based beads to dissolve prematurely. To keep the beads evenly distributed and prevent them from settling, your formula will need sufficient viscosity. They suspend perfectly in gels, thick serums, and creams. The 700–1000 μm particle size is specifically designed to be visually apparent and provide a noticeable, yet gentle, burst sensation.

Key Performance Benefits

Targeted Salicylic Acid Delivery: The beads protect the Salicylic Acid until it reaches the skin, releasing it upon application for maximum efficacy in exfoliating and clarifying pores.
Enhanced Stability: Encapsulation prevents the Salicylic Acid from degrading or interacting with other ingredients, leading to a more stable and effective final product.
Unique Visual & Sensory Experience: The visible off-white beads create an appealing, high-tech look and provide a satisfying burst sensation that signals the product is working.
Gentle Mechanical Exfoliation: As the beads are massaged into the skin, the soft starch spheres provide a mild physical exfoliation before dissolving, complementing the chemical exfoliation from the BHA.
Biodegradable & Natural: Made from a corn starch base, these beads are fully biodegradable, making them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious and natural formulations.
Versatile for Face & Body: Well suited for facial acne treatments, clarifying scalp serums, and body blemish lotions.

Heading #1
Benefits	Biodegradable, Clean & Natural, Controlled Release, Multi-Sensory Experience, Natural Derived, Performance Enhancement, Texture & Sensory, Visual Appeal & Color Burst
INCI Name	Zea Mays (Corn) Starch / Mannitol / Microcrystalline Cellulose / Salicylic Acid / Sucrose / Hydrogenated Lecithin
Usage Rate	0.5%-3%
Particle Size	700-1000 μm
Functional Type	Active-Loaded Granules, Delivery Systems, Starch-Based Beads
Phase Compatibility	Cool-Down Phase
Application Area	Body, Face, Scalp
Product Type Suitability	Cleansers, Creams & Lotions, Gels, Masks & Treatments, Serums & Essences
Certifications	Biodegradable, Cruelty-Free, Natural (ISO 16128), Naturally Derived, Non-GMO, Vegan
Physical Form	Bead/Pearl

Frequently Asked Questions About Starphere S5-WH23SA10

It acts as a delivery system. The small, off-white beads carry Salicylic Acid, a well-known exfoliating ingredient. They keep the active protected in your product and then burst when rubbed onto the skin, releasing it for a fresh, targeted treatment. They also make your product look more interesting!

A good starting range is 0.5% to 3% of your total formula weight. Use the lower end (0.5–1%) for a subtle look and feel, or increase it (1–3%) for a more dense appearance and a stronger sensory effect.

Always add these beads at the very end of the formulation process, during the cool-down phase. Your product should be at or below 40°C (104°F). If you add them when your product is hot, they will melt.

No, they are designed to be gentle. The beads are made from soft corn starch that crushes easily with gentle pressure. They provide a pleasant bursting sensation rather than a harsh scrub. Their particle size (700–1000 μm) is large enough to see but small enough to be non-abrasive.

They are perfect for products aimed at oily or acne-prone skin, such as facial cleansers, serums, masks, and scalp treatments. Any formula where you want to deliver the pore-clearing benefits of Salicylic Acid in a unique and effective way is a great fit.

These are not plastic microbeads. They are made from corn starch and other plant-derived materials, making them fully biodegradable and an environmentally friendly choice for your formulations.

Contact An Expert

Only 4 fields to get started. An expert will respond within 1 business day.

Your Samples Are Waiting

You've selected the following samples:

You haven't added any samples yet! Visit our product pages to select samples you'd like to request. Once you've added samples, return here to complete your request.

Ready to try them out?

Log In

Cookie Notice

The website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. View our Privacy Policy to learn more.