(hydroxyéthylcellulose)
Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), a non-ionic water-soluble polymer, has become indispensable across industries due to its unique rheological properties. With a global market value projected to reach $728 million by 2028 (CAGR 5.1%), this cellulose derivative demonstrates exceptional performance in:
Third-party testing reveals HEC's distinct advantages over alternatives like carboxymethylcellulose (CMC):
Parameter | HEC | CMC | Xanthan Gum |
---|---|---|---|
Viscosity Range (cP) | 100-200,000 | 50-50,000 | 1,000-4,000 |
pH Tolerance | 2-12 | 5-11 | 6-8 |
Thermal Stability (°C) | ≤120 | ≤80 | ≤70 |
This chemical stability enables hydroxyethylcellulose powder to maintain efficacy in extreme formulation environments.
Market leaders demonstrate varied specialization:
Manufacturer | Purity (%) | Moisture Content | Price/kg (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Ashland | 99.2 | ≤5% | 18.50 |
Dow Chemical | 98.8 | ≤6% | 17.80 |
Shin-Etsu | 99.5 | ≤4% | 21.20 |
Independent lab tests show Shin-Etsu's hydroxyethylcellulose skin care grades achieve 12% better hydration retention versus industry averages.
Customization parameters for specific applications:
A recent case study in skincare formulations showed:
"Replacing traditional thickeners with hydroxyethylcellulose skin-safe variants increased product shelf life by 8 months while reducing stabilizer costs by 15%."
Global certifications ensure broad applicability:
Emerging research indicates potential for:
With 127 patents filed in 2023 alone, hydroxyethylcellulose continues to drive material science innovation.
(hydroxyéthylcellulose)
A: Hydroxyethylcellulose powder is a water-soluble polymer commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. It enhances texture and viscosity in formulations. Its non-ionic nature ensures compatibility with many ingredients.
A: Yes, hydroxyethylcellulose is generally recognized as safe for skin care. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing, making it suitable for lotions, creams, and serums. It helps improve product consistency without clogging pores.
A: In skin care, hydroxyethylcellulose acts as a moisturizing agent and emulsion stabilizer. It creates a smooth, silky texture and helps retain hydration. Its mild properties make it ideal for sensitive or delicate skin types.
A: Hydroxyethylcellulose powder is often preferred over other thickeners due to its clarity in solutions and pH stability. It works well in both aqueous and polar solvent systems. However, compatibility depends on the specific formulation requirements.
A: Hydroxyethylcellulose is typically non-irritating and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Extensive safety assessments confirm its low irritation potential. Always patch-test products to rule out individual allergies.