Hydroxyethylcellulose

Hydroxyethylcellulose 1
molecular structure · PubChem CID 4327536
AKA: Cellulose hydroxyethylate, Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether, 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose ether, Cellulosize, Cellosize, Natrosol, Cellosize QP, Cellosize WP, Tylose H series
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
Origincellulose, the major component of the cell wall of green plants. It is compatible with most co-ingredients and gives a very good slip to the formulas.
Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether
Solubility Soluble
Formula
C36H70O19
Mol. Weight
806.90
CAS #
9004-62-0
Form
Powder
State
White solid; [Merck Index] Beige powder; [MSDSonline]
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-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 179 and 508)
Not a Sensitizer
10 studies / 10 not sensitizing (CIR 179 and 508)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
4 studies / 2 irritating / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions minimal to slight (CIR 179)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
15 studies / 2 irritating / 1 mixed / 12 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 179 and 508)
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR