Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

CAS Number:

9004-65-3

Chemical / IUPAC Name:

Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl methyl ether

INCI Name:

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

EC Number:

618-389-6

Molecular Formula:

(C3H7O)n (simplified); polymeric structure with methoxy (-OCH?) and hydroxypropoxy (-OCH?CHOHCH?) groups attached to a cellulose backbone

Other Names:

HPMC, Hypromellose, Methyl Hydroxypropylcellulose, MHPC

Uses:

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is a modified cellulose polymer that is water-soluble, odorless, and forms clear gels. It is widely used across industries for its thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming abilities .

· Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in lotions, creams, shampoos, conditioners, styling gels, and facial masks as a thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. It improves texture, provides smooth application, and creates a protective barrier on skin/hair .

· Hair Care: Adds volume, controls frizz, and improves the texture of hair shafts in shampoos and styling products .

· Skin Care: Functions as a moisturizing agent, texture enhancer, and emulsion stabilizer. It helps maintain skin hydration by preventing moisture loss .

· Pharmaceuticals: Used in artificial tears (eye drops) for dry eye treatment, as a tablet binder, film coating agent, and matrix for extended-release formulations .

· Food Industry: Acts as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer (food additive E464) in various products .

· Construction: Used as a cement additive to improve workability, water retention, and reduce cracking .

· Other Applications: Serves as a dispersing agent, suspending agent, and binder in industrial applications

Origin

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is a semi-synthetic polymer derived from natural cellulose (typically from cotton linters or wood pulp). The production process involves:

· Treating cellulose with alkali (sodium hydroxide) to form alkali cellulose .

· Reacting with propylene oxide (to add hydroxypropyl groups) and methyl chloride (to add methoxy groups) .

· The resulting product is washed, purified, dried, and ground into a powder or granule form .

What does Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose do in a formulation?

• Thickener / Viscosity Modifier: Increases the viscosity of aqueous systems, improving product consistency .
• Emulsifier / Emulsion Stabilizer: Helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, preventing separation .
• Film-Forming Agent: Creates a continuous, flexible film on skin, hair, or other surfaces, providing protective and moisturizing benefits .
• Binding Agent: Helps hold ingredients together in solid formulations like tablets and pressed powders .
• Suspending Agent: Keeps insoluble particles suspended in liquid formulations .
• Moisturizing Agent: Hydrophilic nature helps retain moisture and prevent dehydration .
• Texture Enhancer: Improves spreadability and provides a smooth, pleasant feel during application .

Safety Profile:

· General Hazard Classification: Considered safe for use in cosmetics and food. Classified as non-hazardous according to GHS regulations .

· Toxicity: Low acute toxicity. Oral LD50 (rat) > 5,000 mg/kg .

· Irritation & Sensitization: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing to skin. May cause mild eye irritation upon direct contact .

· Concentration Limits: Typically used at 0.2 – 2.0% in cosmetic formulations, with higher amounts (1-5%) used in gel formulations .

· Safety Assessments: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has determined it safe for use in cosmetics .

· Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable; no evidence of bioaccumulation .

· Regulatory Status: FDA approved for food use (21 CFR 172.874). EU registered as food additive E464. Approved for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use worldwide. Vegan and Halal compliant .

Technical profile: