Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a water-phase thickener, film-former, and suspension stabilizer. It helps give gels, creams, cleansers, and masks a smoother texture and more even payoff.
What does Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a water-phase thickener, film-former, and suspension stabilizer. It helps give gels, creams, cleansers, and masks a smoother texture and more even payoff.
Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose clean?
From a clean beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated, non-sensitizing, and not a common restricted-list issue. The main review point is processing, since it is a chemically modified plant-derived polymer rather than a minimally processed raw material.
Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose sustainable?
This material starts from cellulose, usually sourced from wood pulp or cotton, then is chemically modified for performance. It is generally considered biodegradable and has low bioaccumulation concern, with sourcing quality tied to responsible forestry or agricultural practices.
Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when it meets the standard’s raw material and processing requirements. Its Green Chemistry fit is strongest on renewable origin and low use levels, with some compromise from the chemical modification steps used to make it functional in water-based formulas.
How does Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose work chemically?
It is a nonionic cellulose ether with substituted hydroxyl groups, which lets it hydrate in water and build viscosity without carrying a charge. Typical use is about 0.1% to 2% depending on grade and target texture, with broad pH stability around 3 to 11 and possible thermal gelation in some grades when heated.
Last updated 2026-05-13