Hydroxyethylcellulose

Hydroxyethylcellulose is a nonionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose through etherification with ethylene oxide. Unlike many other cellulosic thickeners, HEC exhibits excellent salt tolerance and maintains its viscosity across a wide pH range (2-12), making it exceptionally versatile for formulating challenging systems including high-electrolyte products. Formulators favor HEC for its ability to provide clear, smooth gels with excellent suspending properties, its compatibility with most cosmetic ingredients including surfactants without destabilization, and its pseudoplastic flow behavior that creates elegant, easy-to-spread textures in creams, lotions, and shampoos.