Not only is cornstarch great for ironing clothes and achieving the perfect crispy fried chicken, it is also a superb thickening agent for beauty products. Cornstarch has a slew of interesting facts and uses, let's explore them below! 

*** Disclosure: The statements below have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any sickness or disease. Please reach out to a medical professional for any medical advice.***

• The process to create cornstarch was invented by Thomas Kingsford and it is said that Colgate and Company were the first US producers of cornstarch all the way back in 1844!
• Until 1851, cornstarch was mainly used for industrial applications and for starching laundry.
• In more recent times, cornstarch has increased its uses to include cosmetics, cooking, and even science experiments! Pretty neat!
• As a form of advertising, cornstarch companies in the 1800s would include trading cards in their packaging. These cards became very valuable and were in high demand. When colored ink began to be used in advertising, these companies could add their own designs and photos to their trading cards, along with the recipes and tips that were already included.
• Cornstarch has many names, alter egos, if you will. Cornstarch is also known as corn flour, maizena, and maize starch!
• One of today's popular uses for cornstarch is for bath bombs! Cornstarch does a great job at holding all of the ingredients together right before you toss the bath bomb into the tub!
• Cornstarch can also be used for a number of crafts like DIY moon-sand, finger-paint, ornaments, and even play-doh! Making all these DIYs with cornstarch is a great way to have all-natural and nontoxic fun!
• Cornstarch can help heal sunburns! Yep, you read that right! Mix water and cornstarch into a paste and apply to the sunburned area. Allow to dry and rinse with lukewarm water. Summertime lifesaver!
• Cornstarch is also very handy to have around your home. Cornstarch is great at reducing odors naturally and polishing silverware and wood. To remove odors, sprinkle cornstarch into your favorite shoes and leave overnight or fill a small jar up halfway with cornstarch and leave in your bathrooms and closets to absorb any unpleasant odors! For polishing silverware, create a paste with water and cornstarch and rub into silverware. Lastly, for wood polish, mix equal parts cornstarch and water into a spray bottle. Lightly spray wood surfaces, wipe away with a cloth and voilà - a beautifully shined wood surface.
• Just like cornstarch thickens beauty products, it can also thicken soups and gravies. At your next potluck or Thanksgiving meal, be sure to pull out that cornstarch to give your dish a thick and creamy consistency!
• Cornstarch can be used to treat hypoglycemia! Uncooked cornstarch digests slowly and provides a slow-paced source of glucose, which can prevent low blood sugar. This is great to use especially at night, right before going to sleep.

From trading cards to bath bombs, cornstarch has had quite a versatile history. What will you use cornstarch for next?