Cellulose (Microcrystalline Cellulose) - thickener, viscosity modifier, film former

INCI Name

Cellulose

Functions

3 Roles

Sustainability

9/10

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

Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax

Candelilla Wax

Quick Reference

Full INCI Name: Cellulose
Common Name: Microcrystalline Cellulose
Category: thickeners

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