The ingredient, explained

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose has published research relevant to cosmetic safety assessment.

AntistaticBindingEmulsion stabilisingFilm formingViscosity controllingSurfactant

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl methyl ether

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Antistatic: Reduces the build-up of static electrical charge on surfaces.
Binding: Helps the components of a product hold together.
Emulsion stabilising: Helps keep an emulsion from separating.
Film forming: Leaves a continuous layer on skin, hair or nails after application.
Viscosity controlling: Adjusts how thick or fluid a product is.
Surfactant: Changes surface tension to help a product distribute or interact with other materials.

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

Safety assessment

The final report evaluates toxicology and irritation evidence for the listed cellulose ethers in cosmetics.

What this does not tell us

Historical grouped safety assessment does not establish skin benefits. Intranasal barrier products use a distinct route.

Sources for this summary. DOI 10.3109/10915818609141925 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Selective exact-identity review of 1 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.