Hy
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
A plant-cellulose thickener (HPMC) — builds smooth gels, stabilizes foams, and dries to a light film.
What it does
It thickens water-based products into a smooth gel, steadies foams and creams, and dries to a light film. It’s made from plant cellulose and dissolves in water. It’s there for texture, not to change your skin.
The evidence, graded
expert consensusUS safety reviewers (2009) assessed cellulose and related cellulose polymers, which products use to thicken, suspend particles, form films and steady formulas. They found these ingredients don’t get far into skin, and skin and eye tests showed at most slight irritation and no allergy. Cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose are named in their conclusion, which judged them safe as used.Robinson 2009 · Cosmetic Ingredient Review ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
HPMC, hypromellose
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