Tapioca Starch Good Texture enhancer Oil Control Tapioca Starch description A natural thickener and texture enhancer derived from the roots of the Manihot esculenta (Cassava) shrub. It consists primarily of amylose and amylopectin, both components of starch and what gives tapioca its thickening properties. In cosmetics, tapioca starch can also serve to stabilise emulsions, create gel textures, and aid in the delivery of key ingredients to skin.