Thickener

Cellulose Gum

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) — the most common water-soluble thickener of plant origin. It forms transparent gels without shine, stable over a wide range of pH and temperatures. A base for gels, serums, and toothpaste.

thickenerCMCplant-basedgelling agent

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Cellulose Gum = Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) — anionic polymer obtained by the reaction of cellulose with monochloroacetic acid in an alkaline medium. INCI: Cellulose Gum. Dissolves in water, forming transparent or translucent gels without greasiness. Pseudoplastic rheology (shear-thinning): viscosity decreases upon application — easily spreads, and upon stopping — restores structure. Stable at pH 4–10 and temperatures up to 60°C. Widely used in toothpaste, eye drops, and cleansing gels.

Cleansing and washing gels, toothpaste, eye drops, transparent serum-gels. Popular in "clean" and natural cosmetics.

Key Benefits

✦

Transparent light gels without greasiness

CMC forms transparent, watery gels without the characteristic shine or greasiness of carbomer analogs. For gel serums and light creams — ideal consistency. Skin feel: fresh, non-burdening, spreads well. A popular alternative to carbomer for 'aqua gel' textures in K-beauty.

◈

Pseudoplastic rheology — easy application

Cellulose Gum has shear-thinning properties: under mechanical impact (pressing, rubbing) viscosity decreases → the product is easily dispensed and spread. After stopping, viscosity restores → the gel "stays" on the skin. This property makes products with CMC convenient to use and reduces the risk of running.

✧

Film-forming and light moisturizing

After drying, cellulose gum leaves a thin flexible film on the surface of the skin and hair, reducing TEWL and providing smoothness. In hair products — light lamination of the cuticle without weighing down. Capable of retaining water (hygroscopic) — soft moisturizing effect.

Suitable for

for all skin typesoily skin (light texture)sensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ thickening/gelling✓ pseudoplastic rheology✓ film-forming

CMC vs Carbomer vs Xanthan Gum

Carbomer — synthetic, transparent gel, requires neutralization with alkali, may "fish-eye" when mixed with salts. CMC — plant-based, stable over a wide pH range, does not require neutralization, less transparent. Xanthan Gum — microbial, very stable, silky, more "natural" marketing profile. For transparent light gels: carbomer or CMC. For certified natural products: CMC or xanthan gum.

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