Texique CS-P: A Natural Film‐Forming Cationic Starch for Hair & Skin Conditioning

17/07/25

Consumer demand for natural, sustainable cosmetics is surging. Market analyses show over 40% of beauty shoppers now actively seek natural ingredients and global sales of natural/organic personal care are booming. Surveys from NSF confirm that more than 70% of consumers rate organic or “clean” ingredients as important (Businesswire, 2025), and 62% say sustainability is more important today than it was 2 years ago (NielsenlQ, 2023). This translates to growing interest in bio-based, biogradable polymers that deliver real performance. Texique CS-P answers this call. It is a film-forming cationic starch derived from food-grade non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism) potato starch, offering a 100% natural conditioning agent for hair and skin. In formula tests, just 0.3% CS-P significantly boosted wet and dry combing ease, hair shine and moisturisation – all while maintaining a fully “clean”, eco-friendly profile.

What is Texique CS-P?

Texique CS-P is 100% naturally derived, a biopolymer made from modifying food-grade potato starch with cationic (positively charges) groups. Its’ INCI name is Starch Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, reflecting the trimethylammonium functionality. The positive charges give the starch strong affinity to hair and skin, so it readily deposits a thin conditioning film. This film smooths and protects surfaces without greasiness. More importantly, Texique CS-P is built to meet modern “clean beauty” standards. It carries ISO 16128 natural-origin certification, is IECIC-listed and vegan friendly, and contains no animal-derived ingredients or silicones. In practice, CS-P dissolves easily in water (or can be dispersed) and is biodegradable.

Key characteristics:

Origin: Non‑GMO potato starch base.

Charge: Cationic film‑forming polymer (INCI: Starch Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride).

Texture and function: Fine off-white powder that forms a light, even film on hair/skin for conditioning.

Eco‑credentials: ≥75% natural (ISO 16128), IECIC-listed, vegan – a fully bio-based conditioner.

Clean beauty: GMO-free, paraben-free, silicone-free (no heavy dimethicones or petrochemicals); inherently biodegradable.

Hair Care Performance

Texique CS-P excels as a hair conditioning polymer. In rinse-off or leave-in conditioners, even low levels (0.2 – 0.5%) dramatically improve compatibility and shine. In one comparative test, adding 0.3% of CS-P to a simple conditioner produced wet and dry hair combing forces comparable to a premium silicone conditioner. In practical terms, consumers see easier detangling and smoother combing on both wet and dry hair. Instrumental gloss measurements showed 33% increase in hair shine with CS-P vs 19% for the standard formula. Meaning hair looks noticeably more radiant. Meanwhile, the starch film softly coats each strand, locking in moisture so hair feels supple and natural rather than stiff or sticky.

Key hair benefits:

Detangling and combability: CS-P’s cationic film reduces combing force. In tester hair conditioners, a 0.3% CS-P formula matched the detangling effect of a benchmark product.

Enhanced shine and softness: A thin starch film uniformly covers hair, restoring smooth cuticles. Gloss tests showed +32.7% shine increase (vs +18.9% for control) and users note visibly softer, more manageable hair.

Product spread ability: CS-P improves rheology – even in fine or water‑conscious formulations – yielding creams and conditioners that spread easily. It “improves the spreading characteristics” of shampoos and lotions so customers perceive easy dosing and application.

Moisture and manageability: The hydrophilic starch binds water in the fiber, helping hair retain moisture and bounce back from dryness. This delivers healthier-looking hair without the buildup of heavy polymers

Together, these effects make CS-p ideal for fine to medium hair and sensitive scalps. It offers the conditioning benefits of quaternised polymers (detangling, shine, slip) without synthetic silicones.

Skincare Sensory Benefits

Texique CS-P also brings advantages to skincare formulations. As a film former, it forms a microscopic network on the skin surface that holds water, boosting moisturisation. In lotions and creams, CS-P adds a velvety, smooth after-feel without greasiness. This is due to being a true polymer (not an oil), it spreads uniformly and can help distribute water soluble actives (like humectants or botanicals) evenly over the skin.

Key skincare benefits:

Improved hydration: By holding a thin film of water on the stratum corneum, CS-P can increase skin moisture levels. Formulators observe enhanced skin hydration even after rinsing.

Soft, non-greasy feel: CS-P imparts a light, silky finish. Unlike mineral oil or heavy silicones, it leaves skin soft and smooth, not slick or sticky.

Even application of actives: The cationic film helps pull other charged or polar ingredients onto the skin evenly, aiding the delivery of vitamins or botanicals.

Enhanced foaming: In wash-off products (shampoos, shower gels), CS-P is compatible with anionic and amphoteric surfactants. It boosts foam richness and stability, giving a long‑lasting creamy lather. This makes sulfate-free cleansers feel luxurious.

Technical Data & Application

Laboratory tests back up CS-P’s performance. In one study, a 0.3% CS-P conditioner (Hair Conditioner A) was evaluated on medium hair by texture analyzer and gloss meter. The CS-P formula reduced dry combing force by 15% (from baseline) and wet combing force by 19%, closely matching an industry standard. In the same test, hair gloss (shine) jumped 32.7% above baseline with CS-P, versus only 18.9% for the standard (and a 22.2% loss with no conditioner). These results confirm that CS-P at low loading delivers measurable detangling and gloss benefits. Other in-house data show improved skin hydration metrics and foam volume when CS-P is used. In all cases, CS-P worked at neutral pH, handled easy dispersion, and remained stable.

 

Figure: Comb force on tangle of hair (dry & wet) – CS-P matches reference conditioner

Figure: Hair shine increase (%) – CS-P (32.7%) beats standard (18.9%)

 

Ideal Formulation Opportunities

Texique CS-P is versatile across many personal-care products. It shines in any formula that benefits from conditioning without silicones.

Examples include:

Hair care: Rinse-off and leave-on conditioners and de-tanglers for fine or color-treated hair, CS-P at 0.2–0.5% adds slip and shine. It also works in shampoos, color-care systems, and even conditioning styling sprays.

Shampoos and cleansers: Gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and body washes gain creamy foam and conditioning with CS-P. It pairs well with mild anionic or amphoteric surfactants to reduce dryness.

Skin and body formulations: Lotions, creams, gels or balms for face, body or hands can use CS-P (0.5–1%) to boost moisturisation and sensory feel. It’s also suitable for facial masks or wet wipes where deposition of hydrophilic actives is needed.

Styling products: Leave-on mousses, gels and sprays: CS-P lends hair soft feel and light manageability, improving the “touch” without weighing hair down.

Synergy with Texique range: CS-P complements other Texique ingredients. For example, pairing Texique Lux5 (a 100% natural emollient) with CS-P yields a silicone‑like cushion and spreadability. Similarly, Texique HE-series (HE10/HE20) thickeners can be used with CS-P to create stable natural emulsions and gels.

Each of these application benefits from CS-P’s film forming conditioning. It is especially attractive in “clean” formulations, where every ingredient must be as natural and mild as possible (e.g. CS-P’s water solubility suits water-conscious formulas notes in the Texique brochure). Wherever formulators want to tout “no quats, no silicones, all natural”, CS-P is a smart choice.

Why Texique CS-P Is A Smart Choice

Texique CS-P marries natural origin with high performance. Unlike conventional conditioners, CS-P is plant-based (potato-derived) and has a benign ecotoxicity profile. It provides the high substantivity of cationic conditioners without requiring any synthetics – the positive charge comes from the starch itself. The result is hair that feels soft and cared for, and skin that feels hydrated, yet the formulas can be labeled GMO-free, vegan and biodegradable. In short, CS-P lets brands offer clean, “free-from” claims while still achieving the classic conditioning effects consumers expect.

Highlight for formulators: Texique CS-P’s ease of use – it dissolves in warm water, tolerates most anionic/nonionic surfactants and is effective at low percentages. Its’ strong environmental profile (ISO 16128 natural compliance, IECIC listing) makes it a future-proof ingredient as regulations and consumer scrutiny around synthetic polymers tighten. In a market where “nature meets performance” is the golf standard, Texique CS-P delivers on both fronts.

Verdict?

In summary, Texique CS-P is a non-GMO, potato-derived, cationic starch that boosts conditioning in hair and skin products. It offers excellent detangling, gloss and moisturisation – all with a lightweight, natural film, while aligning with clean‑beauty trends (no silicones, no animal inputs, fully biodegradable). Whether you’re formulating a sulfate‑free shampoo, a gentle conditioner, or a hydrating lotion, CS-P can add luxurious feel and functionality.

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References:

Oto, A. (2025) 72% of consumers consider organic ingredients important in personal care products, Global Press Release & Newswire Distribution Services. Available at: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250306907252/en/72-of-Consumers-Consider-Organic-Ingredients-Important-in-Personal-Care-Products (Accessed: 03 July 2025).

Haleyhastings (2023) Trends in sustainable beauty 2023, NIQ. Available at: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/analysis/2023/trends-in-sustainable-beauty 2023/#:~:text=While%20definitions%20of%20sustainability%20may,propelling%20this%20awareness%20into%20action (Accessed: 03 July 2025).

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