Methyl Hydroxyethylcellulose

Product Description

Green Stone Swiss supplies cosmetic-grade methyl hydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC) with batch COA traceability and viscosity-grade options for aqueous thickening programs. Direct factory sourcing supports flexible MOQ from lab trials to bulk fiber-drum orders.

This non-ionic cellulose ether—also known as hymetellose—builds pseudoplastic viscosity through hydrated polymer networks in water-rich matrices. CosIng lists stabilising and viscosity controlling functions for shampoos, facial cleansers, lotions, and peel-off mask bases.

Formulators selecting cellulose rheology modifiers adopt MHEC for salt-tolerant thickening, suspension stability, and flexible dry-down film formation—offering a methyl/hydroxyethyl substitution profile distinct from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose grades used in parallel gel systems.

Product Specification

• INCI Name: Methyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
• CAS No.: 9032-42-9
• Appearance: White to off-white fibrous powder or granules
• Solubility: Dispersible in cold water; forms clear to hazy viscous solutions upon hydration
• Suggested pH: 6.0–8.5 in 1% aqueous solution (Typical)
• Assay Method: Viscosity by Brookfield at 2% aqueous (Typical); methoxyl/hydroxyethyl substitution by titration
• Shelf Life: 24 months sealed at 15–30 °C in original packaging (Typical)
• Standard Packaging: 25 kg fiber drum or 500 kg bulk bag (Typical)
• Storage: Keep sealed in cool, dry area; protect from moisture and heat above 40 °C
• Regulatory Status: CosIng stabilising/viscosity controlling; permitted cellulose ether without EU Annex restriction at cosmetic use levels
• Quality & Testing: Typical viscosity grade 1,500–50,000 mPa·s at 2% (Typical); moisture ≤5%; COA/SDS on request
• Compliance Note: For cosmetic use only. Specify target viscosity grade and hydration protocol on purchase order.

Key Benefits & Applications

Methyl hydroxyethylcellulose builds reliable aqueous rheology for cleansers, emulsions, and mask systems where viscosity control, phase stability, and dry-down film integrity must coexist.

• Aqueous Viscosity Control: Delivers tunable pseudoplastic thickening in facial cleansers, shampoos, and shower gels at typical 0.2–2% loading by viscosity grade.
• Emulsion Phase Stabilization: Supports suspension of insoluble particles and oil droplets in lotion and cream matrices without cationic charge interference.
• Cellulose Film Network: Forms a flexible polymer film upon dry-down in sheet masks and styling gels, supporting product structure without rigid acrylic film feel.

Formulation Guidelines

MHEC suits non-ionic aqueous and emulsion systems where salt tolerance and pseudoplastic flow are required over high-shear Newtonian viscosity.

• Recommended use level: 0.2–2% for thickening; 0.5–1.5% in cleansers; 1–3% in peel-off or sheet mask gels.
• Optimal formula pH: 6.0–8.5 for stable hydration; pre-adjust water phase pH before polymer dispersion.
• Processing: Pre-slurry in glycerin or propylene glycol; add to vortexed cold water; allow 20–40 min full hydration.
• Compatibility: Compatible with most nonionic surfactants; test with high levels of cationic or anionic electrolytes.
• Caution: Undispersed lumps form if added directly to hot water—use slow addition with adequate shear.
• Synergy: Pair Xanthan Gum at 0.1–0.3% with MHEC to balance pseudoplastic flow and suspension in facial cleansers.