Back to Ingredient Dictionary

Common Name(s): Acrylamidomethyl cellulose acetate butyrate,modified cellulose,biopolymer thickener film-former

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Thickens aqueous or solvent-based formulations, forms conditioning films, and stabilises emulsions and suspensions from the modified cellulose polymer architecture.

Why It's Used: Cellulose derivatives combine natural polysaccharide origin with synthetic-level solubility and processability โ€” the modification enabling cold-water solubility, ph independence, or improved film flexibility versus native cellulose.

How It Works: Cellulose backbone (ฮฒ-1,4 glucan) modified by etherification or esterification of c2/c3/c6 oh groups. degree of substitution (ds) controls solubility and properties. hydroxyethyl/hydroxypropyl modifications improve cold-water solubility; carboxymethyl provides anionic charge; acetate butyrate provides film flexibility.

Typically Found In: Thickening,film-forming,stabilisation

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient โ€“ cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ€“5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ€“ very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ€“ non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ€“2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Modified cellulose thickeners are fda gras classified and generally recognised as safe for cosmetic use. cosmos accepts hydroxyethylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose as conditionally acceptable natural derivatives from cellulose.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,acrylamidomethyl cellulose acetate modified cellulose review