Hydroxyethyl Cellulose used in Cosmetics

In cosmetics, there are many colorless and odorless chemical elements, but few non-toxic elements. Today I will introduce you to hydroxyethyl cellulose, which is very common in many cosmetics or daily necessities.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

Also known as (HEC) is a white or light yellow, odorless, non-toxic fibrous or powdery solid. Because of its good properties of thickening, suspending, dispersing, emulsifying, adhering, film-forming, protecting moisture and providing protective colloid, HEC has been widely used in medical and cosmetic fields.

Product Features

1. HEC is soluble in hot water or cold water, high temperature or boiling without precipitation, so that it has a wide range of solubility and viscosity characteristics, and non-thermal gelation;

2. It is non-ionic and can coexist with other water-soluble polymers, surfactants and salts in a wide range. It is an excellent colloidal thickener for solutions containing high-concentration dielectrics;

3. The water retention capacity is twice as high as that of methyl cellulose, and it has better flow regulation;

4. Compared with the recognized methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, the dispersing ability of HEC is the worst, but the protective colloid ability is the strongest.

Role of HEC in cosmetics

The molecular weight in cosmetics, the density of elements such as natural synthetics and artificial synthetics are different, so it is necessary to add a solubilizer to make all the ingredients work best. The solubility and viscosity properties of hydroxyethyl cellulose fully play a role, and maintain a balanced characteristic, so that it can maintain the original shape of cosmetics in the seasons of alternating cold and hot. In addition, it has moisturizing properties and is commonly found in cosmetics for moisturizing products. Especially masks, toners, etc. are almost all added.

Function effect

Hydroxyethyl cellulose used in cosmetics such as emollients, thickeners, etc. is basically non-toxic. And it is considered as No. 1 environmental safety product by EWG.