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Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose

What Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose is & what it does

Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose is a modified cellulose polymer in which a fatty cetyl group is attached to a hydroxyethylcellulose backbone. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it serves as a thickener and rheology modifier, building viscosity and stabilizing emulsions. Its hydrophobically modified structure helps suspend ingredients and gives products a smooth, gel-like texture.

What does Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose do in skincare?

Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose is used as a thickener and texture modifier. It builds viscosity and helps stabilize emulsions, keeping oil and water phases from separating. Its fatty cetyl modification lets it suspend ingredients and create a smooth, gel-like feel.

Is Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose safe?

Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose is a modified cellulose polymer used as a thickener and is generally considered safe and well tolerated in cosmetics. Large polymers like this tend to sit on the skin surface rather than penetrate. As with any ingredient, patch testing a new product is reasonable if you have sensitivities.

Is Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose natural or synthetic?

Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose is best described as semi-synthetic. It starts from cellulose, a natural plant polymer, which is then chemically modified with hydroxyethyl and fatty cetyl groups. The result is a processed ingredient derived from a natural base.

Sunscreens with Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose

We rate 23 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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