Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose

AKA: Hydroxybutyl methyl ether, 9041-56-9, Hydroxybutyl methyl cellulose, 2, 3, 4-trimethoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)-5-[3, 4, 5-trimethoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxane;1-[[3, 5-tris(2-hydroxybutoxy)-6-[4, 5, 6-tris(2-hydroxybutoxy)-2-(2-hydroxybutoxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]methoxy]butan-2-ol
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from cellulose, a natural polymer extracted from wood pulp or plant fibers. Chemically modified through etherification to introduce hydroxybutyl and methyl groups onto the cellulose backbone.
Cellulose, hydroxybutyl methyl ether
Formula
C64H124O30
Mol. Weight
1373.60
CAS #
9041-56-9
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
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.
Light Stabilizer
Viscosity Controlling
Shields from UV damage
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed0 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR