Home / Encyclopedia / Cellulose Gum
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.

Found in these products
COSRX Acne Pimple Master PatchSKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cellulose Gum do for skin?
Cleansing and washing gels, toothpaste, eye drops, transparent serum-gels. Popular in "clean" and natural cosmetics.
Who should use Cellulose Gum?
Cellulose Gum is suitable for: for all skin types, oily skin (light texture), sensitive skin.
Are there any warnings about Cellulose 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" marketi

Check if this ingredient works for your skin — analyze your full product formula for free.

Analyze your product