Cosmetic-Grade Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a nonionic cellulose ether polymer. Depending on the degree of substitution of the substituent groups and the degree of modification, they exhibit different chemical properties. It is a nonionic white cellulose ether powder.
Key Features and Performance
Cosmetic-grade hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic synthetic polymer derived from natural cellulose through chemical modification. As a derivative of natural cellulose, HPMC boasts high purity, low irritation, and excellent safety. During production, swelling agents are used to disrupt the hydrogen bonds between and within cellulose molecular chains, releasing hydroxyl activity. The —OH groups are then converted to —OR groups through etherification reactions, resulting in cellulose ethers with excellent water solubility and functionality.
- In shampoos and body washes, it serves as a thickener, freeze-resistant agent, moisturizer, and film-forming agent.
- Reduces formulation costs while maintaining excellent performance.
- Low irritation, heat-resistant.
- Wide pH adaptability range (pH 3–11).
- Enhances conditionability.
- Improves foam formation, foam stability, and skin feel.
- Improves system flowability.
Field of application
Cosmetic-grade hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is an ideal thickener, stabilizer, and film-forming agent for personal care and cleaning products, offering safety, mildness, and superior performance.
- Skin Care Products
Used in creams, lotions, serums, etc., it imparts a smooth texture, stable consistency, and reduces oil-water separation.
- Cleansing and Bathing Products
In facial cleansers and shower gels, it thickens, stabilizes foam, and maintains transparency.
- Hair Care
In shampoos and conditioners, it enhances silkiness and smoothness, and helps active ingredients distribute evenly.
- Oral Care
Used in toothpaste as a colloidal stabilizer to prevent separation and water precipitation, and improve paste spreadability.
- Eye Care
Provides lubrication and soothing effects in artificial tears and eye drops, reducing irritation.
- Water treatment agents
Disperses quickly to achieve uniform mixing.
Main technical index
| Test item | Technical index |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or off-white powder |
| Granularity | The pass rate for 100 mesh is greater than 98.5%; the pass rate for 80 mesh is greater than 100%. |
| Carbonization temperature | 280-300℃ |
| Apparent density | 0.25-0.70G/CM3，specific gravity1.26-1.31 |
| Color temperature | 190-200℃ |
| Auto-ignition temperature | About360℃ |
| Surface tension | 2% aqueous solution is 42-56 DYN/CM |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and some organic solvents |
Instructions for use
- Viscosity selection: 30,000–60,000
- Addition rate: 0.2%–0.4%
Packaged storage
Coated polypropylene woven bags, net weight per bag: 25 kg. Protect from direct sunlight, rain, and moisture during storage and transportation.