INCI Name
Cellulose
Functions
3 Roles
Sustainability
9/10
Category
thickeners
What It Does
A natural polysaccharide derived from plant cell walls that functions as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It provides texture enhancement and helps create smooth, stable products without affecting other ingredients.
Controls product consistency
Improves application experience
Stabilizes suspensions and emulsions
Creates desired texture profiles
Technical Properties
Ionic Charge
nonionic
Molecular charge type
Viscosity Effect
thickening
Impact on formula thickness
Foaming Ability
none
Lather generation
Ingredient Compatibility
Works Well With
nonionic surfactantshumectantsemollientspreservativesmost actives
Avoid Combining
strong acidsstrong bases
Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science
Sustainability Profile
Sustainability Score
9/10
Biodegradability
readily biodegradable
Source
plant-derived
Feedstock
wood pulp or cotton
Related Ingredients
Similar thickeners to explore
PEG-150 Distearate
Polyethylene Glycol 150 Distearate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Carbomer Copolymer
Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteth-20 (and) Glyceryl Stearate (and) Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate (and) Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil (and) Sodium Polyacrylate
Emulsifying Wax Complex
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
Candelilla Wax
Quick Reference
- Full INCI Name
- Cellulose
- Common Name
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Category
- thickeners