The ingredient, explained
Cellulase
A published case report links cellulase exposure to contact urticaria.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
Cellulase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes cellulose
About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗
- Keratolytic
- A technical role associated with removing cells from the outer skin layer.
- Oral care
- Supports cosmetic functions in the mouth, such as cleaning or deodorising.
- Viscosity controlling
- Adjusts how thick or fluid a product is.
Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗
Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.
A closer look
What the research shows
Human safety research
It provides an enzyme-specific safety signal.
What this does not tell us
Case details and exposure concentration are not verified; no frequency or cosmetic benefit is established.
Sources for this summary. PubMed 9536420 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Review supplied candidate titles and available abstracts selectively for exact identity; targeted primary PubMed/publisher searches. This is not an exhaustive systematic review.
Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.
Read the 1 selected study
Human safety research
Occupational contact urticaria from cellulase enzyme. ↗
Contact dermatitis · 1998
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
Cellulase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes cellulose
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- CELLULASE
- CAS registry number
- 9037-40-5, 9012-54-8
- EC number
- 232-734-4 / 232-734-4
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026