화장품에 하이드록시에틸셀룰로오스의 용도

Hydroxyethyl cellulose, a modified natural cellulose ingredient, is highly safe and friendly to skin and hair, unlike some chemical ingredients that can cause irritation. It may not be a prominent feature, but without it, the texture, effectiveness, and user experience of many cosmetics would be significantly compromised.

High-quality hydroxyethyl cellulose

하이드록시에틸 셀룰로오스 (HEC) is a nonionic, water-soluble polymer that appears as a white, fibrous powder and is easily soluble in water and polar solvents.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose has high thickening efficiency, good clarity, and excellent ion resistance (salt, hard water) and pH stability. It also has good biocompatibility and is widely used in shampoos, shower gels, skin lotions, creams, hairsprays, and other products. It is one of the most commonly used cellulose ethers in daily chemical products.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose in Cosmetics

Skin Care Products

In skin care products, the most common function of 하이드 록시 에틸 셀룰로오스 is to thicken and stabilize formulas. For example, if your serum is as thin as water and tends to run all over your face, HEC can thicken the liquid slightly, making it smoother. Some lotions appear as a translucent gel when squeezed out, dissolving into water the moment they're applied. This "water-boosting" effect is also due to hydroxyethylcellulose. It locks in moisture and other active ingredients, preventing the product from separating in the bottle and maintaining a uniform consistency even after shaking.

Shampoo

Hydroxyethylcellulose is added to shampoo and conditioner primarily to improve the wash feel. A rich, foaming shampoo produces a dense lather with a single pump, doesn't slip on the hair, and doesn't leave a sticky residue after rinsing—all thanks to hydroxyethylcellulose. Conditioner also requires hydroxyethylcellulose to balance smooth application and refreshing rinse, especially in silicone-free products, where this ingredient's ability to replace silicone is crucial.
Facial Masks
Facial masks absorb large amounts of essence without dripping and adhere tightly to the skin. This invisible barrier is the work of hydroxyethylcellulose. It forms a breathable film, preventing the mask from drying out quickly while allowing active ingredients to penetrate slowly. Some sleeping masks appear invisible once applied, preventing them from sticking to the pillow. This is because their viscosity is adjusted during the film-forming process.

Cosmetics

In cosmetics, the presence of hydroxyethylcellulose helps products spread more easily. Foundations are fluid when squeezed out, but they don't run; gel eyeliner refills have the right amount of firmness, preventing them from breaking or clumping during application; and lip glosses maintain a glossy finish without drying out lips. These ingredients all require hydroxyethylcellulose to adjust their texture. Some waterproof products even utilize its film-forming properties to enhance makeup's longevity, preventing it from fading when sweating.

Is hydroxyethylcellulose harmful to the skin?

People with sensitive skin may be concerned about irritating ingredients when choosing skincare products, but hydroxyethylcellulose is a relatively mild additive. It has no electrical charge and won't bind to proteins on the skin's surface, causing allergic reactions. It has been proven safe in numerous skin tests. However, be aware that some products claiming to be "natural and organic" may intentionally reduce chemically modified ingredients for marketing purposes, which can lead to inconsistent results. Therefore, the presence of hydroxyethylcellulose shouldn't be considered a simple indicator of product quality.

Misconceptions about Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

Many people mistakenly believe that additives listed lower on the ingredient list are unimportant. In fact, even a 0.5% addition of 하이드 록시 에틸 셀룰로오스 can have a greater impact on a product's texture than ingredients listed earlier. For example, hydroxyethyl cellulose appears fifth on the ingredient list of a certain toner, playing a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the active ingredient.
Another misconception is that thicker products contain more active ingredients. In fact, excessive thickeners can actually hinder skin absorption; moderation is key.
When formulating, cosmetic engineers adjust the dosage and combination of hydroxyethyl cellulose based on specific needs. A refreshing summer product might use a low-viscosity formula, while a moisturizing winter product might opt ​​for a high-viscosity formula. Sometimes, it's combined with other colloids, such as carbomer to adjust pH or xanthan gum to enhance the stringy effect. These subtle adjustments directly impact consumers' initial impression when they unscrew the bottle cap.

하이드록시에틸 셀룰로오스 has high thickening efficiency, good clarity, and excellent ion resistance (salt, hard water) and pH stability. It also has good biocompatibility and is widely used in shampoos, shower gels, skin lotions, creams, hair sprays, and other products.

In short, hydroxyethyl cellulose is a safe and skin-friendly organic modified cellulose. Due to its good thickening and stability, it plays an important role in the field of daily chemicals. Micome specializes in the production of hydroxyethyl cellulose. The product has high transparency and good thickening effect, which fully meets the needs of customers.