murphyMethylcellulose
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Soluble Fiber, (5R)-2, 3, 4-Trimethoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)-5-[(2S)-3, 4, 5-trimethoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxane, Cethylose
Synthetic
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from cellulose, a natural polymer extracted from plant cell walls, primarily wood pulp and cotton. Produced through chemical modification of cellulose via methylation, replacing hydroxyl groups with methyl ether groups.
See also: Methylcellulose (annotation moved to).
Formula
C20H38O11
Mol. Weight
454.50
CAS #
9004-67-5
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.
Stabilising
Viscosity Controlling
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Light Stabilizer
Controls Viscosity
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
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients; not tested individually (CIR 508)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 508)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 179)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
5 studies / 1 irritating / 2 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 179 and 508)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR