Why is daily chemical-grade HEC so popular in cosmetics?

1. Advantages of Daily Chemical Grade HEC

Extremely High Clarity: Dissolved in a watery white liquid, it is ideal for creating transparent gels, serums, and shampoos, creating a clear and attractive appearance.
Good pH Stability: Remains stable over a wide pH range (3-11), making it suitable for most cosmetic formulations.
Easy to Use: Its "autolytic" properties allow it to be directly added to water and dissolved under high-speed stirring, preventing clumping ("fish-eye") and ensuring a user-friendly production process.
Safe and Gentle: Derived from natural cellulose, it is non-irritating and non-toxic, making it very gentle on skin and eyes and suitable for sensitive skin products.

2. Examples of HEC Applications in Specific Products

3. As an Efficient Thickening Agent

This is HEC's most fundamental and important function.
Performance Enhancements:
Creating Ideal Textures: Consumer-grade hydroxyethyl cellulose can thicken thin, watery formulas into refreshing gels, viscos emulsions, or rich creams, meeting the texture requirements of various products (such as serums, lotions, shampoos, and facial masks), enhancing the sensory experience and creating a sense of luxury.

Stabilizing Suspensions: The increased viscosity of the thickened system effectively suspends insoluble particles, such as abrasive particles, powders (such as pearlescent powder and minerals), and active ingredient particles, preventing them from settling, ensuring uniform product texture and stable efficacy.

4. Excellent Rheology Modifier

Rheology relates to the flow and deformation behavior of a product, and HEC can precisely adjust these properties. Performance Enhancements:
Pseudoplastic Flow (Shear Thinning): HEC solutions are very viscous when at rest or subjected to slight shear (such as in a bottle); however, when subjected to vigorous shear (such as when applying or pressing a pump), the viscosity instantly decreases, allowing for easy flow. This results in:
Easy to Pour and Dispense: Thick shampoo or shower gel can be squeezed out easily.
Pleasant Spreading: The product dissolves into water upon application, instantly becoming light and non-sticky, with an excellent skin feel.
Prevents Drips: Products applied to vertical surfaces (such as shampoo and shower gel) will not immediately run off.

5. Stabilizing Agent

HEC provides physical stability by thickening the formulation and forming a three-dimensional network structure.
Performance Enhancements:
Prevents Phase Separation: In lotions and serums, it effectively prevents the separation of the oil and water phases, preventing the product from leaking water or oil, and extending shelf life.
Compatibility: It exhibits excellent compatibility with a wide range of surfactants, salts, and other ingredients without affecting the overall stability of the formulation.

6. As a multifunctional aqueous humectant

HEC's molecular chain contains numerous hydrophilic groups, capable of binding water molecules through hydrogen bonds.
Performance Enhancement:
Hydration-Locking: Forms a thin film of moisture on the skin or hair, reducing evaporation and providing continuous hydration, leaving skin soft and hair smooth.
Synergistic: Works synergistically with other humectants (such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid) to enhance overall moisturizing properties.