murphyHydroxyethyl Ethylcellulose
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: HEC ethylcellulose, Ethylcellulose hydroxyethyl derivative
Synthetic
Cleanser
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginPlant-Derived
Cellulose, ethyl ether, 2-hydroxyethyl ether
CAS #
9004-58-4
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Viscosity Controlling
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Wound Healing
Improves Elasticity
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