Hydroxypropylcellulose
AKA “HPC, Klucel”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Hydroxypropylcellulose
AKA: HPC, Klucel
Surfactant · Emulsion Stabilising · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Cleanser
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether
CAS #
9004-64-2
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Viscosity Controlling
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Emulsifier
Reduces Inflammation
Traditional Use
Cellulose was chemically modified in the early-to-mid 20th century to create hydroxypropyl derivatives. Used in cosmetics as a thickening, film-forming, and stabilizing agent.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Methylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, and Cellulose Gum
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Hydroxypropylcellulose
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydroxypropylcellulose
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR