Calcium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

AKA: Calcium CMC, Carboxymethyl cellulose calcium

Synthetic

Occlusive

Emulsifier

Clean

OriginDerived from plant cellulose, commonly sourced from wood pulp or cotton linters. Produced through carboxymethylation, where cellulose is chemically modified with chloroacetic acid.

Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, calcium salt

CAS #

9050-04-8

Form

Powder

Skin Types

●all-skin-types, gentle

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

Functions

Emulsion Stabilising

Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.

Film Forming

Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.

Viscosity Controlling

Anti-Inflammatory

Boosts Collagen

Antimicrobial

Creates protective layer

Keeps product blended

Controls product thickness

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR