Potassium Cellulose Succinate
AKA “Cellulose derivative, Film-former”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Potassium cellulose succinate
AKA: Cellulose derivative, Film-former
Synthetic · Opacifying · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Potassium salt of cellulose succinate Science: Functions: Opacifying, Skin Conditioning Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Opacifying
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Synthetic polymer created in the 20th century by combining cellulose (plant fiber) with succinic acid. Designed as a film-forming and thickening agent for modern cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Potassium Cellulose Succinate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Cellulose derivatives and natural gums as gelling agents for preparation of emulgel-based dosage forms: A brief review.
Raeisi Estabragh MA, Sajadi Bami M, Dehghannoudeh G, Noudeh YD, Moghimipour E
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2023
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR