Hydroxyethylcellulose
Texture enhancer
No known benefits
Hydroxyethylcellulose at a glance
- Naturally derived thickening agent
- Comes from cellulose, a sugar found in the cell walls of plants
- Ruled safe as used in cosmetics
- Approved as a non-direct food additive
Hydroxyethylcellulose description
Hydroxyethylcellulose is a thickener typically used as a binding agent or emulsifier. It is derived from cellulose, a naturally occurring polysaccharide (complex sugar) found in the cell walls of plants. In clinical settings, it is used in wound healing applications and to help deliver drugs (such as antimicrobial agents) to skin. Hydroxyethylcellulose in its raw for is a white, odorless, tasteless powder. It is currently used in concentrations as low as 0.0002%, and as high as 39%. The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has ruled hydroxyethylcellulose safe as used in cosmetics, even in amounts much higher than what would occur from normal human exposure. The United States Food and Drug Administration has also approved hydroxyethylcellulose as an indirect food additive as an adhesive component and in non-water-soluble form, as a food packaging material.
