murphyCarboxymethyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Modified Cellulose
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from cellulose, a natural polymer extracted from plant cell walls, typically from wood pulp or cotton. Produced through chemical modification of cellulose with carboxymethyl and hydroxyethyl substituents via etherification.
Cellulose, carboxymethyl 2-hydroxyethyl ether, sodium salt
CAS #
9088-04-4
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Binding
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
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Controls Viscosity
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR