How much hydroxyethyl cellulose should I use?

Supplier data sheets for cosmetic grades give a typical range of about 0.5 to 3% of the finished product. Start around 1%, let it fully hydrate, then add more in small steps until you get the thickness you want.

Why does my HEC form lumps in water?

If the powder is dumped in all at once, the outside of each clump swells and seals off the dry powder inside. Sprinkle it slowly into stirred water, or pre-mix it with glycerin to a slurry before adding water.

Is hydroxyethyl cellulose better than carbomer?

They suit different jobs. Carbomer gives very clear gels but needs neutralising and loses thickness with salts. HEC thickens without neutralising and tolerates salts and surfactants, so it works well in shampoos and body washes.

Can I thicken sulphate-free shampoo with HEC?

Yes. Sulphate-free surfactants such as coco glucoside don't thicken much with salt, so HEC is a common choice. Hydrate the HEC in water first, then add the surfactants slowly with gentle stirring to avoid foam.

Is hydroxyethyl cellulose natural?

It is made from cellulose, which comes from wood pulp or cotton, but it is chemically modified with ethylene oxide. So it is plant-derived, not a natural material in the strict sense.

Does HEC dissolve in alcohol or oil?

No. HEC dissolves in water. For alcohol gels, hydrate the HEC in the water portion first and then add the alcohol slowly while stirring. It won't thicken oils, so for oil-based products use a different thickener.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose: Uses, Grades and Safety

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a white, water-soluble thickener made from cellulose. It is used to thicken and stabilise shampoos, body washes, gels, lotions and water-based paints, giving a clear, smooth gel. Being non-ionic, it tolerates salts and a wide pH range better than many other thickeners.

Last updated 7 Nov 2026

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Specifications

CAS number: 9004-62-0
Grades: Cosmetic
Hindi name: हाइड्रॉक्सीएथिल सेलूलोज़

Products and pack sizes

Product	Grade	Pack	Price (incl. GST)	₹ per kg
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose	Cosmetic	—	₹199	—

What is hydroxyethyl cellulose?

Hydroxyethyl cellulose is cellulose that has been reacted with ethylene oxide so that it dissolves in water. It comes as a white to off-white, free-flowing powder or granules. In water it swells into a clear, smooth gel.

INCI name: Hydroxyethylcellulose
CAS number: 9004-62-0
Type: non-ionic polymer thickener, stable with most surfactants and salts
Behaviour: dissolves in hot or cold water, not in oils or alcohol alone

It is a polymer, so it has no single molar mass. Grades differ by viscosity, and a higher viscosity grade thickens more at the same dose.

Grades and pack sizes at Azlok

Azlok lists hydroxyethyl cellulose under cosmetic raw ingredients, for use in personal care and DIY cosmetic work. The listing doesn't state a viscosity grade or pack size, so check the product page or ask for the technical data sheet. See today's price per kg.

Common uses

Thickener in shampoos, conditioners and body washes, especially sulphate-free ones that don't thicken with salt
Clear gels such as hair gel, aloe-type gels and alcohol-based hand gels
Stabiliser in lotions and creams
Thickener in water-based (emulsion) paints, adhesives and some cleaning products

How to use it

Typical level. Supplier data sheets for cosmetic grades give a typical range of about 0.5 to 3% of the finished formula. Start low, for example 1%, and adjust.

Dispersing without lumps.

Take the water at room temperature, ideally at a neutral or slightly acidic pH.
Sprinkle the HEC slowly onto the surface while stirring, so each particle gets wet separately.
Keep stirring for 15 to 30 minutes. Some grades start thickening within 5 to 15 minutes.
If it is slow to thicken, raise the pH slightly or warm the mix, as the grade's sheet directs.

Another way. Pre-mix the HEC with glycerin to a slurry, then add it to the water. This also stops lumps.

Add surfactants and other ingredients after the gel has formed, then preservative and fragrance last.

Safety and storage

HEC is low hazard. The powder is a nuisance dust; avoid breathing it and wear a dust mask for large amounts.
Spilled powder becomes very slippery when wet. Sweep it up dry before mopping.
Patch test any finished product on a small area of skin for 24 to 48 hours before regular use.
Water-based gels need a preservative, or mould will grow.
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Keep away from children.

If you sell finished cosmetics in India, the product must meet BIS standards and CDSCO rules for cosmetics, including labelling. Check the current requirements before launch.

Choosing the right grade and pack

For home cosmetic batches and testing, a small pack lasts a long time, because you use only a few grams per 100 g of product. If you need a particular viscosity, ask for the technical data sheet before buying.

Paint makers and personal care brands needing 25 kg or more can send a bulk inquiry.

Frequently asked questions

How much hydroxyethyl cellulose should I use?: Supplier data sheets for cosmetic grades give a typical range of about 0.5 to 3% of the finished product. Start around 1%, let it fully hydrate, then add more in small steps until you get the thickness you want.
Why does my HEC form lumps in water?: If the powder is dumped in all at once, the outside of each clump swells and seals off the dry powder inside. Sprinkle it slowly into stirred water, or pre-mix it with glycerin to a slurry before adding water.
Is hydroxyethyl cellulose better than carbomer?: They suit different jobs. Carbomer gives very clear gels but needs neutralising and loses thickness with salts. HEC thickens without neutralising and tolerates salts and surfactants, so it works well in shampoos and body washes.
Can I thicken sulphate-free shampoo with HEC?: Yes. Sulphate-free surfactants such as coco glucoside don't thicken much with salt, so HEC is a common choice. Hydrate the HEC in water first, then add the surfactants slowly with gentle stirring to avoid foam.
Is hydroxyethyl cellulose natural?: It is made from cellulose, which comes from wood pulp or cotton, but it is chemically modified with ethylene oxide. So it is plant-derived, not a natural material in the strict sense.
Does HEC dissolve in alcohol or oil?: No. HEC dissolves in water. For alcohol gels, hydrate the HEC in the water portion first and then add the alcohol slowly while stirring. It won't thicken oils, so for oil-based products use a different thickener.