murphyHydroxypropylcellulose
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Klucel
Synthetic
Cleanser
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from cellulose, a natural polymer extracted from wood pulp and plant fibers. Produced through chemical modification of cellulose via hydroxypropylation using propylene oxide.
Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether
CAS #
9004-64-2
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
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Emulsifier
Reduces Inflammation
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 a Sensitizer
5 studies / 5 not sensitizing (CIR 179 and 508)
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 179)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
4 studies / 2 irritating / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 179 and 508)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
12 studies / 2 irritating / 1 mixed / 9 not irritating / reactions slight to mild (CIR 179 and 508)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR