From Paula’s choice site:

tapioca starch

Rating: GOOD
Categories: Thickeners, Texture Enhancer
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 stabilize emulsions, create gel textures, and aid in the delivery of key ingredients to skin.