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Hydroxyethylcellulose
AKA “Cellulose hydroxyethylate, Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether, 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose ether, Cellulosize, Cellosize, Natrosol, Cellosize QP, Cellosize WP”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Hydroxyethylcellulose
AKA: Cellulose hydroxyethylate, Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether, 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose ether, Cellulosize, Cellosize, Natrosol, Cellosize QP, Cellosize WP
Synthetic · Emulsion Stabilising · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Clean
Plant-derived thickener that creates a smooth texture and helps ingredients blend seamlessly. Gives formulas a silky feel while keeping them stable and effective.
Solubility Soluble
Formula
C36H70O19
Mol. Weight
806.90
CAS #
9004-62-0
Form
Powder
See origin →
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.
Light Stabilizer
Viscosity Controlling
Shields from UV damage
Traditional Use
A cellulose derivative developed in the early-to-mid 20th century as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. No traditional use; created to provide improved texture, viscosity control, and film-forming properties in modern formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Methylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, and Cellulose Gum
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Carboxymethyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydroxyethylcellulose
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Hydroxyethylcellulose/Phosphorylcholine Glycol Acrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Methyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Carboxymethyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Methyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
Hydroxyethylcellulose — Duck Heart Ghost