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Cellulose

What Cellulose is & what it does

A plant fiber used as a gentle, biodegradable physical exfoliant and texturizer. It smooths skin softly without harsh scratching.

What is Cellulose and what does it do in sunscreen?

Cellulose is a plant fiber, the main structural material of plant cell walls. In cosmetics it is used to thicken and texturize a formula and, in some products, as a gentle physical exfoliant that smooths the skin without harsh scratching. In a sunscreen it helps adjust the feel and body of the cream rather than contributing to UV protection.

Is Cellulose safe?

Yes. Cellulose is an inert plant fiber that has a long history of safe use in cosmetics, and it is also widely used in foods. It sits on the surface and is not known to be irritating or sensitizing for most people. Our data does not flag it as an allergen.

Does Cellulose clog pores?

Generally no. Cellulose is an inert fiber rather than an oil or wax, so it has little tendency to block pores, and our data does not flag it as comedogenic. As a texturizer or mild exfoliant it mostly affects feel and finish. If you are breaking out, the oils and emollients in a formula are more likely the cause.

Is Cellulose natural or synthetic?

It is naturally derived, sourced from plant material, though it is purified and processed for cosmetic use. Some forms are chemically modified versions of plant cellulose. In its basic form it is one of the most abundant natural polymers on earth.

Is Cellulose vegan?

Yes. Cellulose is a plant fiber and contains no animal-derived material, so the ingredient itself is suitable for vegan formulas. Whether a finished sunscreen is fully vegan still depends on its other ingredients.

Sunscreens with Cellulose

We rate 123 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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