Ingredient guide ›

Hydroxyethylcellulose

The gel maker.

What it does

Made from cellulose, the fiber in plants. It thickens products into smooth gels and keeps them evenly mixed.

Good to know

It's also used in medical gels, including as the plain comparison gel in clinical trials. No independent cosmetic safety review was found.

Often found in: Roll-on deodorants, Toothpastes, Conditioners, Shaving gels

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Pharmacokinetics of 2 dapivirine vaginal microbicide gels and their safety vs. hydroxyethyl cellulose-based universal placebo gel (J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 2010) (Medical)