Collodion
AKA “Cellulose nitrate solution, Pyroxylin
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Collodion
AKA: Cellulose nitrate solution, Pyroxylin
Synthetic · Film Forming · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Creates a flexible, protective layer on skin that helps products stay in place and maintains moisture throughout the day.
Effective at 20.52%
CAS #
8050-70-2
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Strengthens Barrier
Fights Acne
Creates protective layer
Traditional Use
Developed in the 1840s as a liquid preparation of nitrocellulose dissolved in ether and alcohol; it was historically used as a protective film-forming agent in cosmetics and medicinal preparations.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.04%
41.0%
0%57%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.04-41
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR
Collodion — Duck Heart Ghost