Hydroxyethylcellulose
Hydroxyethylcellulose is a non-ionic, water soluble polymer used as a gelling/thickening agent for aqueous cosmetic and personal care formulations. This natural plant-based ingredient derived from cellulose (wood pulp) is widely used in cosmetics and skin care products.
The safety of hydroxyethylcellulose has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that this ingredient was safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products. EWG.com rates this hydroxyethylcellulose as a #1 – it’s best rating.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a gelling and thickening agent derived from cellulose. It is widely used in cosmetics, cleaning solutions, and other household products. Hydroxyethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose are frequently used with hydrophobic drugs in capsule formulations, to improve the drugs' dissolution in the gastrointestinal fluids. This process is known as hydrophilization.
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| Names | |
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| Other names
Cellulose, hydroxyethyl ether; Hydroxyethylcellulose; 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose; Hyetellose; Natrosol; Cellosize
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| Identifiers | |
| ChEBI | |
| ChemSpider |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.116.562 |
| E number | E1525 (additional chemicals) |
| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| variable | |
| Molar mass | variable |
| Melting point | 140 °C (284 °F; 413 K) |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet (SDS) | MSDS |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Hydroxyethyl cellulose is also used extensively in the oil & gas industry as a drilling mud additive under the name HEC as well in industrial applications, paint & coatings, ceramics, adhesives, emulsion polymerization, inks, construction, welding rods, pencils and joint fillers.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose can be one of the main ingredients in water-based personal lubricants. It is also a key ingredient in the formation of big bubbles as it possesses the ability to dissolve in water but also provide structural strength to the soap bubble. Among other similar chemicals, it is often used as slime (and gunge, in the UK)
