Cellulose Acetate Propionate

AKA: Acetate propanoate, 9004-39-1
Synthetic
Occlusive
Clean
Cellulose, acetates, propanoates
Formula
C76H114O49
Mol. Weight
1811.70
CAS #
9004-39-1
Form
Powder
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Creates Protective Barrier
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
Created in the early 20th century as a semi-synthetic cellulose derivative. Employed in cosmetics as a film-forming and binding agent to improve product texture and wear in makeup and hair formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR