Hydroxypropylcellulose

Hydroxypropylcellulose molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Klucel
Synthetic
Cleanser
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether
CAS #
9004-64-2
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.
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
Traditional Use
Cellulose was chemically modified in the early-to-mid 20th century to create hydroxypropyl derivatives. Used in cosmetics as a thickening, film-forming, and stabilizing agent.
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: CosIng · EWG · CIR