Common Name(s): Mc,methocel a,cellulose methyl ether
CAS Number: 9004-67-5
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides thermoreversible thickening with unique inverse gelation (gels at body temperature) from methyl cellulose.
Why It's Used: Unique thermogelling cellulose for novel cosmetic textures that gel upon application to skin temperature.
How It Works: Methyl groups reduce hydrogen bonding, enabling water solubility below lcst (lower critical solution temperature ~50-65ยฐc for cosmetic grades). above lcst, methyl group hydration shell collapses causing association and gelation. can be adjusted for body-temperature gelation.
Typically Found In: Innovative texture products,thermogelling cosmetics,film-forming gels
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ thermogelation cellulose
Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ from cellulose (plant) methylated
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Methylcellulose's inverse thermogelation is thermodynamically counterintuitive โ most polymers dissolve better at higher temperatures, but mc gels at higher temperatures. this 'entropy-driven' gelation occurs because water molecules ordered around mc's methyl groups at low temperature become disordered (entropic gain) when hydration shell collapses at high temperature, driving inter-chain association despite decreased attractive forces.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,dow chemical methocel technical data,cir safety assessment