Microcrystalline Cellulose
Purified food-grade thickener and bulking agent. In cosmetics provides body to the texture and stabilizes emulsions.
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, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a purified, partially hydrolyzed polysaccharide derived from wood cellulose. In pharmaceuticals – the main tablet filler. In cosmetics – thickener, stabilizer, mild abrasive. Mechanism. Forms stable suspensions in aqueous and emulsion formulas, provides texture and uniformity. In scrubs it works as a gentle mechanical abrasive, suitable for sensitive skin. Where applied. Scrubs, peels, peel-off masks, creams, foundations. Concentration 0.5–10%. An alternative to microplastic abrasives, banned in the EU since 2024 in rinse-off products. Evidence base. No clinical RCTs required – a functional filler. CIR confirmed safety. Safety. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, non-irritating. Pregnancy and lactation – topically safe. Environmental context. Since 2024 EU Regulation 2023/2055 bans microplastic particles in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products. Microcrystalline cellulose is a natural biodegradable alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microcrystalline Cellulose safe during pregnancy?
Microcrystalline Cellulose is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Microcrystalline Cellulose for?
Microcrystalline Cellulose suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Microcrystalline Cellulose and what does it do in cosmetics?
Purified food-grade thickener and bulking agent.
What's the INCI name for Microcrystalline Cellulose?
The INCI name is Microcrystalline Cellulose. It may also appear as: MCC, E460.
See Microcrystalline Cellulose 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
Microcrystalline Wax, Mineral Salts, MIPA-Laureth Sulfate, Montmorillonite, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Butyl Acetate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
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