Methyl Hydroxyethylcellulose

AKA: Methyl 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose, 9032-42-2

Synthetic

Clean

Cellulose methyl ether, 2-hydroxyethyl ether

Formula

C34H66O24

Mol. Weight

858.90

CAS #

9032-42-2

Form

Powder

Functions

Light Stabilizer

Viscosity Controlling

Shields from UV damage

Traditional Use

A semi-synthetic polymer derived from cellulose, developed in the mid-20th century. Used as a thickener and film-former in cosmetics, replacing traditional plant-based gums.

EWG

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

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

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

Verified Jun 2026

Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR