Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose
molecular structure · PubChem
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
Cellulose, hydroxybutyl methyl ether
Formula
C64H124O30
Mol. Weight
1373.60
CAS #
9041-56-9
Form
Powder
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
Traditional Use
A semi-synthetic cellulose derivative developed in the 20th century as a film-forming, thickening, and stabilizing agent for cosmetics. Created to improve texture and performance of skincare and haircare formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR