HYDROXYETHYL CELLULOSE (HEC)

Description

Description:

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose, the main structural component of plants. It is modified by introducing hydroxyethyl groups (-CH₂CH₂OH) onto the cellulose backbone, which improves water solubility and thickening properties.

• INCI Name: Hydroxyethylcellulose
• CAS Number: 9004-62-0
• EINECS/ELINCS Number: 220-971-6

Appearance:

• white 
• Turns into a clear to slightly hazy viscous gel when dissolved in water.

Applications:

Widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care products as a:

• Thickener
• Film-former
• Stabilizer
• Rheology modifier
• Suspending agent

Common product types:

• Shampoos
• Conditioners
• Gels
• Lotions
• Creams
• Cleansers
• Serums

Usage Rate:

• Typically used at 0.1% – 2.5%, depending on the desired viscosity and formulation type.
• Higher concentrations may be used for more gel-like textures.

Origin:

• Derived from natural cellulose, which is usually sourced from wood pulp or cotton.
• It is synthetically modified to obtain the hydroxyethyl functionality, making it a semi-synthetic polymer.