Methylcellulose
AKA “Methylcellulose (4000 cps), Goodsense Fiber, Soluble Fiber, GNP Fiber Therapy, Sunmark fiber laxative, RefChem:55610, Health Mart fiber caplets, METHYL CELLULOSE”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Methylcellulose
AKA: Methylcellulose (4000 cps), Goodsense Fiber, Soluble Fiber, GNP Fiber Therapy, Sunmark fiber laxative, RefChem:55610, Health Mart fiber caplets, METHYL CELLULOSE
Synthetic · Binder · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle thickener that helps create smooth, stable formulas while providing light UV protection. Keeps products from separating and improves texture on skin and hair.
Formula
C20H38O11
Mol. Weight
454.5
CAS #
9004-67-5
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Binder
Emulsifier
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
UV-Filter
Thickener
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.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
Calcium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate/Succinate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Methylcellulose (4000 cps)
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Developing a stable aqueous enteric coating formulation with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS-MF) and colloidal silicon dioxide
Deshpande TM, Quadir A, Obara S, Ibrahim A, Hoag SW
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2018
Calcium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Methylcellulose
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Ethyl Cellulose and Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Blended Methotrexate-Loaded Transdermal Patches: In Vitro and Ex Vivo.
Latif MS, Azad AK, Nawaz A, Rashid SA, Rahman MH et al.
Polymers, 2021
Elucidating the in vivo fate of pharmaceutical excipient sodium carboxymethylcellulose in rats using UHPLC- Q TRAP MS/MS and UHPLC- Q TOF MS/MS approa
Yang N, Liu J, Mu K, Liang A, Yin G et al.
Bioanalysis, 2026
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR