Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal Average Exfoliant No known benefits Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal at a glance The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has ruled Zea mays kernel meal safe as currently used in cosmetics, where its maximum concentration of use is 3%. Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal description _Zea mays_ (corn) kernel meal, better known as cornmeal, is a course flour made from milling corn kernels. It is used in cosmetics preparations as a bulking agent and physical exfoliant (abrasive). As physical exfoliants go, cornmeal is considered milder than other options such as salt, walnut shells, or apricot pits. Still, it doesn’t come close to having the effectiveness of a well-formulated chemical BHA (beta hydroxy acid), AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), or PHA (polyhydroxy acid) exfoliant in solving skin care problems like clogged pores or sun damage. The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has ruled _Zea mays_ kernel meal safe as currently used in cosmetics, where its maximum concentration of use is 3%. Related ingredients: Corn Oil Zea Mays Corn Starch