Hydroxyethylcellulose

Hydroxyethylcellulose molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Cellulose hydroxyethylate, Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether, 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose ether, Cellulosize, Cellosize, Natrosol, Cellosize QP, Cellosize WP, Tylose H series
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
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]
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 cellulose derivative developed in the early-to-mid 20th century as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. No traditional use; created to provide improved texture, viscosity control, and film-forming properties in modern formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR