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Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose · Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose

A modified-cellulose polymer used to thicken water-based formulas and form a light film.

What it does

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a plant-cellulose derivative that dissolves in water. It thickens a formula into a smooth gel, stabilizes foams and emulsions, and forms a light film as it dries, so it is used as a thickener and film former. It is a texture-and-film ingredient rather than a skin active.

Also known as

hpmc, hypromellose

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