Microbial Cellulose

INCI: MICROBIAL CELLULOSE (ALSO TERMED BACTERIAL CELLULOSE / BIOCELLULOSE)

CAS Number
9004-34-6 (identical to plant-derived cellulose)
Function
Skin conditioning, film forming, binding, bulking
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Allowed - cellulose is not on the prohibited/restricted list. GRAS status for cellulose applies broadly

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Generally considered safe; non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The nano-scale fiber diameter (~2-100 nm) may warrant attention under EU nano-material reporting requirements (Article 16 of EC 1223/2009) if particles meet the nanomaterial definition. Chemically identical to plant cellulose but with ~1/100th fiber diameter (~2-100 nm); produced by bacteria (e.g., Gluconacetobacter xylinus); forms highly hydrated, transparent films with superior mechanical strength. Enhances transdermal delivery ...

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

potential-allergen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Microbial Cellulose safe in cosmetics?

Generally considered safe; non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The nano-scale fiber diameter (~2-100 nm) may warrant attention under EU nano-material reporting requirements (Article 16 of EC 1223/2009) if particles meet the nanomaterial definition. Chemically identical to plant cellulose but with ~1/100th fiber diameter (~2-100 nm); produced by bacteria (e.g., Gluconacetobacter xylinus); forms highly hydrated, transparent films with superior mechanical strength. Enhances transdermal delivery ... The EU classifies Microbial Cellulose as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Microbial Cellulose allowed in the EU?

Microbial Cellulose EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Microbial Cellulose do in cosmetics?

Microbial Cellulose functions as: Skin conditioning, film forming, binding, bulking. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9004-34-6 (identical to plant-derived cellulose).

What is the Margin of Safety for Microbial Cellulose?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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