Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

CAS Number:

9004-32-4

Chemical / IUPAC Name:

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups (-CH?-COOH) bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone

INCI Name:

Cellulose Gum

EC Number:

265-995-8 (for food grade)

Molecular Formula:

(C6H7O2(OH)2(CH2COONa))n (simplified representation)

Molecular Weight:

Average M.W. approximately 700,000 daltons (for DS=0.9)

Other Names:

Sodium CMC, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt, CMC Sodium, E466

Uses:

MC 4500 refers to a medium-to-high viscosity grade of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) with a viscosity range typically between 3500 and 5000 mPa·s when measured as a 1% solution at 25°C . It is a water-soluble anionic polymer derived from natural cellulose (wood pulp or cotton linter) and functions as a powerful thickener, stabilizer, binder, and film-former .

· Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in lotions, creams, facial masks, shampoos, conditioners, and toothpaste as a thickener, emulsion stabilizer, and suspending agent. It improves texture, provides smooth application, and stabilizes formulations .

· Hair Care: Provides viscosity and conditioning properties in styling gels, shampoos, and conditioners. Recent research suggests CMC may promote pro-collagen production in skin cells, indicating potential bioactive benefits beyond structural uses .

· Skin Care: Creates a pleasant, smooth feel in serums and creams. Helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and can suspend insoluble ingredients.

· Pharmaceuticals: Used as a binder, disintegrant, and suspending agent in tablet formulations, liquid medicines, and topical preparations . It serves as a high-strength tablet binder and matrix former in sustained-release formulations .

· Food Industry: Functions as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier (food additive E466) in ice cream, sauces, dressings, and bakery products .

· Industrial Applications: Used in detergents as a soil suspension polymer, in oil drilling as a viscosity modifier and water retention agent, in paper products, textiles, ceramics, and water-based paints .

Origin

CMC 4500 is a semi-synthetic polymer derived from natural cellulose. The manufacturing process involves:

· Source: Purified cellulose from wood pulp or cotton linter .

· Alkalization: Cellulose is treated with sodium hydroxide to form alkali cellulose.

· Etherification: The alkali cellulose is reacted with monochloroacetic acid to introduce carboxymethyl groups onto the cellulose backbone .

· Purification & Drying: The resulting product is purified to remove by-products (sodium chloride and sodium glycolate), dried, and milled into a fine powder .

What does CMC 4500 do in a formulation?

• Thickener / Viscosity Modifier: Dramatically increases the viscosity of aqueous systems at low concentrations (typically 0.1-2%), providing a smooth, rich consistency .
• Emulsion Stabilizer: Helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, preventing separation of ingredients .
• Suspending Agent: Keeps insoluble particles suspended in liquid formulations, preventing settling .
• Binder: Helps hold ingredients together in solid formulations like tablets and pressed powders .
• Film-Former: Creates a thin, transparent, protective film on skin or hair with good adhesive properties .
• Water Retention Agent: Helps retain moisture in formulations and prevents drying out .
• Dispersant: Acts as a chemical dispersant for oils and other carbon structures .

Safety Profile:

· General Hazard Classification: Non-hazardous under normal use conditions. CMC is physiologically inert, non-toxic, and generally considered hypoallergenic . The German water hazard class is WGK 1 (slightly hazardous to water) .

· Toxicity: Low acute toxicity. GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for food use. Research shows CMC samples were not cytotoxic towards skin cells (HaCat and HDFa) up to 10 mg/mL .

· Irritation & Sensitization: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing to skin. May cause mild eye irritation upon direct contact . Inhalation of dust may cause respiratory tract irritation, so use of N95 dust mask is recommended when handling powder .

· Ingestion Safety: Considered safe for consumption. Used extensively in food products .

· Bioactive Potential: Recent studies indicate CMC may have positive biological effects, including promoting intracellular production of pro-collagen I α I by up to 228% and modulating immune response in skin cells .

· Compatibility: Compatible with most water-soluble polymers and surfactants. Forms clear, viscous solutions with very little viscosity change over time .

· Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Protect from moisture as it will coagulate and become difficult to dissolve .

· Shelf Life: Typically >12 months when stored properly .

· Regulatory Status: Approved worldwide as food additive E466 . Meets USP, EP, JP pharmacopoeia standards . Halal and Kosher certified options available . Compliant with ISO9001, ISO22000 (HACCP) standards .

Technical profile: