Rate My SPF

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether

What Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether is & what it does

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether is a modified cellulose derivative made by attaching stearyl groups to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a plant-derived polymer. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it is commonly used as a thickener and film former that helps stabilize emulsions and control texture. Its surface-active backbone can also help suspend ingredients evenly throughout a product.

What does Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether do in skincare?

It is commonly used as a thickener, film former, and stabilizer. By building viscosity and forming a light film, it helps give products a consistent texture and keeps emulsions from separating. It can also help suspend other ingredients evenly throughout a formula.

Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether natural or synthetic?

It is a semi-synthetic ingredient. It starts from cellulose, a plant-derived polymer, which is then chemically modified with hydroxypropyl, methyl, and stearyl groups. So it is plant-based in origin but processed in a lab.

Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether safe?

Modified cellulose derivatives like this one are generally considered safe and well tolerated for use in cosmetics at the levels typically found in products. It is used in small amounts mainly to adjust texture and is not known for being irritating. As with any ingredient, individual sensitivities can vary.

Sunscreens with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether

We rate 84 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients