Methyl Ethylcellulose

AKA: Ethyl Methyl Cellulose, Cellulose Ether

Synthetic

Occlusive

Not Clean

OriginDerived from plant cellulose, typically sourced from wood pulp or cotton linters through industrial processing. Produced through etherification of cellulose with ethyl and methyl groups via chemical modification.

Cellulose, ethyl methyl ether

CAS #

9004-59-5

Form

Powder

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

Functions

Binding

Film Forming

Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.

Viscosity Controlling

Holds Formula Together

Creates Protective Barrier

Controls Viscosity

Anti-Aging Benefits

Antioxidant Protection

Reduces Inflammation

Creates protective layer

Holds ingredients together

Controls product thickness

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed0 reviews

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR