JNA Ingredient Co. HEC cosmetic thickener presented in clean, editorial packaging for clear gel systems, surfactant compatibility, and stable pH‑flexible formulations

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Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Powder

$8.95

Nonionic Cellulose Thickener & Rheology Modifier

USP Grade

4,000–6,000 mPa·s

Nonionic

Water Soluble

Sold by weight (g or Kg) for formulation accuracy.

Need a larger quantity? Explore bulk and trade supply options for production volumes.

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Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Powder

$8.95

OUR DIFFERENCE

Selected for specification, not just ingredient name.

Materials sold under the same ingredient name or INCI can differ in grade, purity, specification limits and supporting documentation. JNA selects ingredients with these differences in mind.

Specification Matters

Selected for stronger purity and quality parameters where specification makes the difference.

Cosmetic grade

Selected for professional cosmetic formulation.

Documented quality

Manufacturing and batch documentation available.

Formulator ready

Defined use levels and processing guidance.

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FORMULATION OVERVIEW

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Powder

JNA’s Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a USP-grade, nonionic cellulose thickener selected for reliable viscosity, texture and stability control across cosmetic and personal-care formulations. With a defined viscosity grade of 4,000–6,000 mPa·s, it supports consistent rheology across water-based systems, from lightweight serums and cleansers through to structured gels and creams.

Derived from natural cotton cellulose, JNA’s HEC hydrates in both cold and hot water to form smooth, uniform systems. It supports aqueous thickening, suspension and emulsion stability, while helping formulators refine body, flow and finished-product texture without relying on a highly ionic rheology system.

Its nonionic character provides broad formulation versatility, including compatibility with anionic and nonionic surfactant systems, making it particularly useful across facial skincare, shampoos, body washes and other cleansing formulations.

With a recommended use range of 0.2–1.5%, JNA’s HEC gives formulators flexible control over viscosity—from subtle thickening in lighter systems to greater structure in gels and creams - while maintaining a defined, consistent viscosity grade for repeat formulation work

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KEY SPECIFICATIONS

Ingredient Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

INCI Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

CAS 9004-62-0

Solubility Water soluble

FORMULATION NOTES

Processing Notes

Slowly sprinkle HEC into cold or hot deionised water under continuous stirring to minimise clumping. Continue mixing until evenly dispersed, then allow approximately 30–60 minutes for full hydration and viscosity development.

For best results, ensure the polymer is fully hydrated before assessing final viscosity or making significant rheology adjustments.

Compatibility Notes

As a nonionic cellulose ether, HEC offers broad formulation versatility. It is particularly suitable for aqueous skincare, haircare and cleansing systems and has good compatibility with anionic and nonionic surfactants.

It can be incorporated into emulsions as an aqueous-phase rheology modifier and used alongside common humectants and water-soluble cosmetic ingredients. Always assess compatibility within the complete formulation, particularly in complex surfactant, electrolyte or multi-active systems.

pH Notes

Set finished-product pH according to the requirements of the complete formulation, including the preservation system, surfactants and other pH-sensitive ingredients.

Formulation Examples

Lightweight Serum - Use HEC to provide controlled body and flow while maintaining a lightweight aqueous texture.

Clear Gel - Increase HEC within the recommended range to build a more structured water-based gel.

Facial Cleanser - Use HEC to increase viscosity and improve body in compatible surfactant systems.

Shampoo or Body Wash - Incorporate HEC for rheology control and suspension support in compatible anionic or nonionic cleansing systems.

Troubleshooting

Clumping or fish-eyes: Add HEC gradually to well-agitated water rather than dumping the powder into the batch at once.

Viscosity appears too low: Allow the full 30–60 minute hydration period before evaluating viscosity or adding more thickener.

Uneven texture: Confirm complete dispersion and hydration before making further formulation adjustments.

Unexpected viscosity in a complex formula: Evaluate the complete system, particularly HEC concentration, surfactants, electrolytes and other rheology modifiers, rather than adjusting HEC in isolation.

SENSORY PROFILE

Skin Feel Provides a smooth, lightweight gel texture with controlled body. HEC can increase structure without introducing the richness or oiliness associated with emollient-based texture modifiers.

Tack Low to moderate depending on use level and the surrounding formulation. Higher polymer and humectant loads can increase perceived tack, so the complete system should be considered when optimising skin feel.

Slip Provides soft, controlled glide and can improve the spread and application of aqueous gels, serums and emulsions.

Finish Creates a clean, smooth finish suited to lightweight through to more structured cosmetic formats. Final after-feel will depend on HEC concentration and the surrounding humectant, emollient and surfactant system.

Formulation Impact

HEC directly influences viscosity, flow and body, making its sensory contribution more significant than that of many water-soluble actives. Lower use levels provide subtle body and improved flow control, while higher levels within the recommended range create progressively more structured gel textures.

JNA’s defined 4,000–6,000 mPa·s grade allows formulators to adjust HEC concentration according to the desired viscosity, structure and finished-product texture.

QUALITY & SOURCING

JNA’s Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is supplied as a USP-grade, ≥99.0% HEC with a defined viscosity specification of 4,000–6,000 mPa·s, providing formulators with a consistent rheology grade for repeat formulation work.

The viscosity specification is measured using a 1% aqueous solution at 25°C with a Brookfield rotational viscometer, providing defined test conditions rather than an unspecified HEC viscosity designation.

Quality Testing

Controlled heavy-metal and microbiological specifications, with batch testing against defined quality limits.

Supported Claims

JNA’s HEC is produced from natural cotton cellulose through controlled chemical modification to create a nonionic, water-soluble cellulose ether suitable for cosmetic and personal-care formulation.

A defined 4,000–6,000 mPa·s viscosity grade is maintained for ongoing supply, with each batch tested to support consistency between formulation and scale-up work.

COMPARISON & ALTERNATIVES

Xanthan Gum Powder

Choose for efficient aqueous thickening and suspension where a natural gum-based rheology modifier is preferred.

Sclerotium Gum

Choose for smooth rheology and elegant sensory properties in skincare formulations where skin feel is a priority.

Carbomer 940 Powder

Choose for high-efficiency thickening and structured gel formation, particularly where a clear, more highly structured gel system is desired.

STORAGE & HANDLING

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container, protected from moisture, heat and direct sunlight.

Handling Notes

Keep the container tightly sealed when not in use and use clean, dry equipment when weighing or dispensing. As HEC is supplied as a fine powder, handle carefully to minimise airborne dust and avoid unnecessary moisture exposure.

Shelf Life / Retest Guidance

24 months when stored under recommended conditions. Refer to the product label and applicable batch documentation for the relevant retest or expiry information.

PRODUCT SAFETY

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is supplied as a raw material for cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Use appropriate good manufacturing and occupational hygiene practices when weighing, handling and incorporating the powder into formulations.

Warnings & Precautions

For formulation use only. Not intended for direct application to the skin in concentrated raw-material form. Avoid contact with eyes and unnecessary inhalation of dust. Minimise dust generation during weighing and dispensing. Keep out of reach of children.

The formulator is responsible for assessing the safety, stability and suitability of the finished formulation for its intended application.

Formulator's Quick Guide

INCI Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

CAS 9004-62-0

Appearance White to off-white powder

Solubility Water soluble

Phase Water Phase

Applications Serums, Gels, Creams & Lotions, Masks, Toners & Essences, Eye Care, Body Lotions & Creams, Body Washes, Hand Care, Shampoos, Conditioners, Hair Treatment & Masks

Supports Thickening / gel structure, Slip / sensory feel

Why Formulators Choose This Ingredient

Controlled Viscosity Building

Provides predictable aqueous thickening and structure, allowing formulators to adjust body and flow across lightweight systems through to more structured gels and creams.

Nonionic Versatility

Its nonionic character makes HEC versatile across a broad range of cosmetic systems and particularly useful where formulation flexibility is important.

Suspension & Stability Support

Adds aqueous-phase structure that can help improve suspension and support physical stability in formulations requiring more controlled flow and body.

Cleansing-System Compatibility

Well suited to shampoos, body washes and cleansers, with compatibility across anionic and nonionic surfactant systems giving formulators additional rheology options beyond leave-on skincare.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Powder

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Powder

Selected for specification, not just ingredient name.

Specification Matters

Cosmetic grade

Documented quality

Formulator ready

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Powder

Formulator's Quick Guide

Why Formulators Choose This Ingredient

Controlled Viscosity Building

Nonionic Versatility

Suspension & Stability Support

Cleansing-System Compatibility

HEC FAQ

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