Hydroxyethylcellulose
Hydroxyethylcellulose is a viscosity controlling and film forming ingredient. It’s in 403 products on Poliage, most often mascara, conditioner and serum. Avoid lists on Poliage that include it: none.
Updated October 21, 2026
In plain English
Made from plant cellulose. Thickens and stabilizes gels and shampoos.
What it does
Contains Hydroxyethylcellulose: binding
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Hydroxyethylcellulose: emulsion-stabilising
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Hydroxyethylcellulose: film-forming
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Hydroxyethylcellulose: light-stabilizer
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Hydroxyethylcellulose: viscosity-controlling
Function listed in CosIng
Source: CosIng, the European Commission cosmetic ingredient database, ref 76845, accessed October 22, 2026. Also listed as hyetellose.
Products that contain Hydroxyethylcellulose
L’Oréal Paris
Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara
Mascara · Lists parabens, silicones
COSRX
The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel
Exfoliant · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Maybelline New York
The Colossal
Mascara · Lists silicones
Maybelline
The Colossal Cat Eyes Washable Mascara
Mascara · Lists silicones
Maybelline New York
The Falsies
Mascara · Lists silicones
Not Your Mother’s
Thickening Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid
Moroccanoil
Thickening Lotion
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones, chemical UV filters, coconut derivatives
StriVectin
TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, silicones
Dermalogica
Travel Size Special Cleansing Gel
Lists essential oils, coconut derivatives
r.e.m. beauty
Treble Maker 3-in-1 Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Medicube
Triple Collagen Toner
Toner · Lists fragrance
Hask
Twist Tamer Leave-In Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
Palladio
TWISTED IN LOVE MASCARA
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Not Your Mother’s
Ultimate Nutrition Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance
L’Oréal
Ultra Doux Après-shampooing crème riche Aloé vera et huile de karité pur
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol
L’Oréal
Ultra Doux Après-shampooing doux délicatesse d’avoine
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
L’Oréal
Ultra Doux Après-shampooing Nutrition Extrême Olive Mythique
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones
Black Opal
Ultra Matte Foundation Powder
Foundation · Lists silicones
First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Hydrate + De-Puff Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
Eye cream · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Balea
Ultra Sensitive Rasiergel
Lists coconut derivatives
Naturium
UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50
Sunscreen · Lists silicones, chemical UV filters
Naturium
Vitamin C Complex Serum
Serum · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Naturium
Vitamin C Super Serum Plus
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, retinoid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Essence
Volume Stylist 18h Lash Extension Mascara
Mascara · Lists drying alcohol
Related guides
How to read an ingredient list
What the ingredient list on a beauty product tells you, what the names mean, and what it leaves out, using FDA and EU labeling rules.
Does ingredient order show how much is in a product?
Ingredient lists run from most to least, but only down to 1%. Below that, any order is allowed. What the order shows and what it hides.
How do you patch test a new product?
What the AAD, FDA and DermNet say about testing a small area, the FDA hair dye skin test, in-office patch tests, and contact allergy basics.