Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
A cellulose-based thickener and stabilizer. It gives gels texture and holds moisture. 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
Cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose (INCI Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose) is a modified cellulose derivative used as a thickener and stabilizer. It gives body and texture to gels and emulsions and helps hold water inside the formula so the product feels pleasant on application. This is a functional texture component, not a skincare active. It does not treat the skin; its role is rheological, that is, controlling how the product flows and feels. It does that job well and supports formula stability. Topically it has no systemic relevance, so it is compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is good: low irritation and low allergy risk, suitable for sensitive skin too. It is one of those quiet ingredients that stay unnoticed on the skin while helping the formula behave well.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose safe during pregnancy?
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose for?
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose and what does it do in cosmetics?
A cellulose-based thickener and stabilizer.
What's the INCI name for Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose?
The INCI name is Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose.
See Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose 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
Cetyl Phosphate, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Chlorphenesin, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Silica, Trisodium EDTA
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