Methylcellulose

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
See also: Methylcellulose (annotation moved to).
Formula
C20H38O11
Mol. Weight
454.50
CAS #
9004-67-5
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.
Stabilising
Viscosity Controlling
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Light Stabilizer
Controls Viscosity
Traditional Use
Methylcellulose was first synthesized in the 1920s as a semi-synthetic cellulose derivative. It was adopted by the cosmetics industry as a thickening agent and film-former to create texture and improve product stability.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
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: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR