Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

Hydroxyethylcellulose (INCI: Hydroxyethylcellulose) is a non-ionic cellulose ether used as a thickener, foam stabiliser, lubricant, skin-conditioning agent and flow/viscosity control agent across food, personal care and industrial applications. It is non-flammable and is not a nutrient source for micro-organisms. Common uses include:

Food Substances: Used as substitute for Gluten in making grain breads

Gelling agent: used to produce aqueous gels

Skincare: Assist in emulsion stabilizing of creams, lotions and balms

Personal care: Stabilizes foam in bodywashes, hand washes shampoos and facial cleansers. HEC adds lubricity and increases the viscosity of the product.

Film forming: HEC solutions dry to form flexible dry films.

Construction Materials: Used in tile adhesives as water retention agent

Concrete Manufacture: Hydroxyethyl cellulose is used as a thickener and water retention agent.  It improves the workability of the concrete mix, raises its wet strength and reduces sagging and dripping. Also contributes to the durability and crack resistance of concrete by improving adhesion and reducing shrinkage. 

Capsules & Tablets: Used as excipient in tablet & capsule formations

Coating Agent: Used as coating agent in tablets

Other Uses: Other uses includes Gypsum Products, Paints & coatings

Safety Information
Contact with eyes may lead to blurred vision, tearing and redness. As HEC is a dusty powder, it may lead to breathing problems, itching, swelling.