Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Cetyl HEC, Hydroxyethyl cellulose cetyl ether
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl hexadecyl ethers
CAS #
80455-45-4
Form
Powder
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
Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Viscosity Controlling, Anti
Inflammatory, Moisturizing, Boosts Collagen, Creates protective layer, Keeps product blended, Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
A synthetic polymer created by chemically modifying cellulose in the 20th century. Used as a thickening and suspending agent in cosmetics with no traditional historical use.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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