Cellulose Acetate
A plant polymer. It gives a soft matte feel and helps texture without irritation. Well tolerated.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Cellulose acetate (INCI: Cellulose Acetate) is a plant-derived polymer made from cellulose. In cosmetics it provides a soft matte finish and helps texture, especially in makeup and blurring-effect skincare formulas. This is a functional component, not a skincare active. Its work is sensory and texture-related: it mattifies, gives body to the film and improves how the product looks on skin. It has no treatment action, so its value lies in the finish rather than in long-term visible results. Applied topically it has no systemic relevance, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is good, with low irritation potential and low allergy risk, suitable for sensitive skin. As an inert polymer, at usual concentrations it does not dry or clog pores. It is a quiet ingredient that adds sensory comfort without interfering with the rest of the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cellulose Acetate safe during pregnancy?
Cellulose Acetate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Cellulose Acetate for?
Cellulose Acetate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Cellulose Acetate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A plant polymer.
What's the INCI name for Cellulose Acetate?
The INCI name is Cellulose Acetate.
See Cellulose Acetate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Cellulose Gum, Cera Carnauba, Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum, Ceresin, Glycol Montanate, PEG-150 Distearate, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Toluene Sulfonic Acid
Published: · updated: