Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a type of nonionic cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose. Due to its safety, stability and strong compatibility, it is widely used in modern daily chemical and skin care products. Whether it is lotion, cream, facial cleanser or essence, HPMC plays a significant role in system stability, skin feel improvement and film formation, and is a typical multi-functional additive in cosmetics.
1. Thickening and rheological regulation effects
One of the most important functions of HPMC is thickening. In an aqueous phase system, its molecular chains can absorb water and expand, increasing the viscosity of the system and giving the product a smoother and softer touch. Unlike carbomer and xanthan gum, HPMC is a neutral thickener that can form a stable viscosity without relying on pH neutralization. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for acidic or weakly acidic skin care formulas, such as those containing AHA/BHA, VC derivatives, and whitening essences.
In addition, HPMC has excellent rheological property regulation capabilities. The product exhibits low viscosity and is easy to apply during extrusion, while maintaining a higher structure at rest, which helps liquids or gels maintain a stable appearance. This is particularly crucial for products that require smoothness and extensibility, such as facial cleansers, eye creams, and mask liquids.
2. Emulsification stabilization and suspension protection
In oil-water systems such as emulsions and face creams, HPMC can enhance emulsification stability through thickening and interface protection mechanisms. Its molecular chains will form a protective layer around the emulsion droplets, preventing the oil droplets from aggregating and enhancing the thermal stability and storage stability of the system. For formulations containing a large amount of vegetable oil, silicone oil or active ingredient dispersions, HPMC can significantly reduce stratification and oil separation, and extend the shelf life.
Meanwhile, HPMC can also provide a suspension effect, enabling granular powders (such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and pearl powder) to be evenly dispersed without settling. It is a commonly used stabilizer in products like sunscreens, shampoos, and scrubs.
3. Improve skin feel and application experience
HPMC has a unique smooth touch. Compared with some natural colloids (such as guar gum and xanthan gum), it is less sticky and less streaky, which can give the product a refreshing water-like or gel-like feel. It is particularly suitable for the modern skin care product trend of “light, thin and not heavy” skin feel.
Its water-soluble gel forms a soft and even coating on the skin surface, enhancing the lubricity and extensibility of the finished product, allowing users to feel smoother and more delicate when applying essence, eye cream or lotion.
4. Film-forming and moisturizing effects
HPMC can form a transparent, flexible and breathable protective film on the skin surface, and has the following advantages:
Locking in moisture and moisturizing: Reduce water evaporation to keep the skin hydrated.
Enhance the retention time of active ingredients: Active substances such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, VC, and ceramide are more likely to continuously exert their effects on the skin surface.
Enhance the skin feel after the product forms a film: Create a fine and non-tight moisturizing film to improve the immediate smoothness of the skin.
This film-forming property makes HPMC very popular in mask liquids, freeze films, essences and leave-in products.
5. It is mild, highly secure and widely adaptable
As a derivative derived from natural cellulose, HPMC is highly safe, has low irritation and no allergenicity, meeting the requirements of modern daily chemical products for mild formulas. It has a wide pH adaptability range and does not react with common active ingredients, thus being compatible with most skin care ingredients, including
Vitamins (VC, VE, panthenol)
Acids (lactic acid, salicylic acid)
Moisturizing agents (glycerin, propylene glycol)
Surfactant system (Facial cleansers and shampoos)
Plant extracts and functional active substances
This wide compatibility makes HPMC a basic additive with extremely high usage frequency in the daily chemical industry.
6. Enhance the stability of the product’s appearance and texture
HPMC has significantly improved the appearance and physical stability of skin care products
Prevent gel or cream from shrinking and separating water
Enhance transparency and glossiness
Make the formula present a more uniform fluidity
Improve the viscosity retention ability after long-term storage
Therefore, it is often used as a texture optimizer in high-end mask liquids, gels, and leave-in skin care products.
HPMC is a typical multifunctional raw material in daily chemical and skin care formulas, and its functions cover multiple aspects such as thickening, rheological regulation, emulsification and stabilization, suspension, film formation, moisturizing, and improvement of skin feel. Due to its high safety, strong compatibility and wide formula adaptability, it is an indispensable important ingredient in various skin care products, including lotions, essences, masks, cleansers, sprays and gels. For modern skin care products that pursue a gentle, stable and refreshing skin feel, HPMC is a key additive for enhancing product quality.
Post time: Nov-14-2025