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Hydroxypropylcellulose

What Hydroxypropylcellulose is & what it does

A cellulose thickener and film former that builds smooth gels and leaves a light, flexible film. It improves texture and the wear of the formula.

What does Hydroxypropylcellulose do in skincare?

Hydroxypropylcellulose is a modified cellulose used mainly as a thickener, film former, and texture stabilizer. It helps give gels and lotions a smooth, consistent body and can leave a light film that improves how a product wears. In sunscreens it can also help suspend ingredients evenly.

Is Hydroxypropylcellulose safe?

Hydroxypropylcellulose is widely used in cosmetics and is generally regarded as a low-risk ingredient at the levels typically used. It is a plant-derived, modified cellulose that mainly serves a texture role. As with any ingredient, people with specific sensitivities should review the full product formula.

Is Hydroxypropylcellulose natural or synthetic?

Hydroxypropylcellulose is best described as semi-synthetic. It starts from cellulose, a natural plant fiber, which is then chemically modified to make it water-soluble and useful as a thickener. So the base is natural, but the final ingredient is processed.

Sunscreens with Hydroxypropylcellulose

We rate 15 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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