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Sodium starch glycolate

Sodium starch glycolate suppliers and sourcing guide

Sodium starch glycolate is the sodium salt of carboxymethyl starch, usually made from potato starch, sometimes corn or other starches. The starch is reacted with sodium monochloroacetate in an alkaline alcohol medium to add carboxymethyl groups, typically cross-linked as well, then neutralized, washed and dried to a white, free-flowing powder. It swells rapidly in water, and brands use it at low levels as a disintegrant in tablets and capsules.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Sodium carboxymethyl starch · Carboxymethyl starch, sodium salt · SSG
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of sodium starch glycolate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Type A

    Pharmacopeial grade with the higher sodium and pH range defined in the USP-NF and Ph. Eur. monographs.

  • Type B

    Pharmacopeial grade with a lower pH range, chosen for some acid-sensitive formulas.

  • Low-solvent grades

    Grades made with lower residual ethanol or methanol for buyers with strict residual solvent limits.

  • By source starch

    Potato-based grades are most common; corn, rice and pea based grades are also offered.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity
Identity tests per the monograph, including the iodine reaction and sodium.
Sodium assay
Sodium content by titration, which defines Type A or Type B.
pH and loss on drying
pH of a dispersion and moisture against the type limits.
Sodium chloride and sodium glycolate
Residual reaction salts by limit tests.
Residual solvents
Ethanol or methanol by gas chromatography against USP <467> or the buyer's limit.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, and absence of E. coli and Salmonella.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place. It absorbs moisture readily, and moisture uptake reduces its swelling power, so limit time open. The supplier sets shelf life or retest date, with loss on drying and pH rechecked on older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Sodium content, pH and residual solvent results vary by lot and between Type A and Type B. Record type, source starch and solvent results per lot, and do not swap types without checking tablet disintegration.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists sodium starch glycolate under the name sodium carboxymethyl starch (CAS 9063-38-1), with disintegrant as its allowed purpose for oral use.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Sodium starch glycolate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking sodium starch glycolate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of sodium starch glycolate can brands buy?

Common forms include type A, type B, low-solvent grades and by source starch. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for sodium starch glycolate include?

Expect identity, sodium assay, pH and loss on drying, sodium chloride and sodium glycolate, residual solvents and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should sodium starch glycolate be stored?

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place. It absorbs moisture readily, and moisture uptake reduces its swelling power, so limit time open. The supplier sets shelf life or retest date, with loss on drying and pH rechecked on older stock.

What is the regulatory status of sodium starch glycolate?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists sodium starch glycolate under the name sodium carboxymethyl starch (CAS 9063-38-1), with disintegrant as its allowed purpose for oral use.

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