Is Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose safe in cosmetics?
Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
EXCELLENT
Cosmetic Ingredient
Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose
Also known as: Cellulose, hydroxybutyl methyl ether, Hydroxybutyl methyl cellulose
INCI: HYDROXYBUTYL METHYLCELLULOSE
Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose (CAS 9041-56-9) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Thickener, binder, film-forming agent, viscosity controlling agent. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
Function
Thickener, binder, film-forming agent, viscosity controlling agent
Editorial assessment
EXCELLENT
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Chemistry & Identifiers
IUPAC Name
2,3,4-trimethoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)-5-[3,4,5-trimethoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxane;1-[[3,4,5-tris(2-hydroxybutoxy)-6-[4,5,6-tris(2-hydroxybutoxy)-2-(2-hydroxybutoxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]methoxy]butan-2-ol
InChIKey
RPZANUYHRMRTTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted — CIR reviewed cellulose derivative group as safe for use as cosmetic ingredients
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Binder
Emulsifier
Film former
Stabilizing agent
Viscosity modifier
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Known Synonyms
Cellulose, hydroxybutyl methyl ether
Hydroxybutyl methyl cellulose
Chemical Function
Film former
Viscosity modifier
Stabilizing agent
Emulsifier
Binder
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose allowed in the EU?
Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose do in cosmetics?
Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose functions as: Thickener, binder, film-forming agent, viscosity controlling agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9041-56-9.
Compliance Tools
Check Hydroxybutyl Methylcellulose compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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