Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) Powder

Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) Powder

Nonionic cellulose-based thickener used to build viscosity, stabilize formulations, and improve texture in cosmetic and personal care products.

INCI Name: Hydroxyethylcellulose

Appearance: White to off-white free-flowing powder

Solubility: Water-soluble

Function: Thickener, rheology modifier, stabilizer, texture enhancer

Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) is a versatile polymer commonly used in gels, serums, shampoos, cleansers, lotions, and water-based cosmetic formulations to create smooth viscosity and improve product stability. It helps provide elegant flow, suspension support, and a soft, non-sticky texture profile.

Supplied as a cosmetic raw material for formulation use.

What It Does

Hydroxyethylcellulose helps increase viscosity and improve the overall texture and stability of water-based formulations. It creates smooth, elegant gels and fluid systems while helping suspend particles, reduce separation, and improve sensory feel.

Key Benefits

• Builds smooth viscosity in water-based systems.
• Helps stabilize emulsions and suspensions.
• Creates elegant gel textures with reduced tackiness.
• Improves product flow and sensory feel.
• Compatible with many cosmetic ingredients and surfactant systems.
• Useful across a wide range of skincare and haircare formulations.

Typical Use Levels

• 0.1–0.5% — Light viscosity enhancement
• 0.5–1.5% — Standard gel and serum systems
• 1.5–3% — Higher viscosity gels and thickened systems

How to Incorporate

• Slowly sprinkle into water with mixing to reduce clumping.
• Allow adequate hydration time for full viscosity development.
• Can be pre-dispersed in glycerin or glycols for easier incorporation.

Formulation Notes

• Nonionic structure provides broad compatibility.
• Hydration time affects final viscosity development.
• Can be combined with gums, carbomers, and surfactants.
• Useful for suspending particles and improving stability.
• Viscosity grade significantly affects final texture and flow.

Common Applications

• Serums and gels
• Shampoos and cleansers
• Hair styling products
• Lotions and emulsions
• Suspension systems
• Water-based cosmetic formulations

Mostly used to stop formulas from behaving like flavored water. Cosmetic formulation is largely controlled thickening with emotional consequences.

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry environment.
• Keep container tightly sealed.
• Protect from moisture and humidity.

Disclaimer

This material is supplied for cosmetic formulation use only. Users are responsible for evaluating suitability, viscosity performance, stability, and regulatory compliance within finished formulations.