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 22, 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
The Ordinary
Caffeine 3% + Escin 1% Face Serum
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
The Ordinary
Caffeine solution
Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid
The Ordinary
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid
The Ordinary
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
Eye cream · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
AmLactin
Calm & Renew Lotion
Body lotion · Lists exfoliating acid, coconut derivatives
Rovectin
Calming Lotus Sheet Mask
Mask · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Cantu
Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream
Lists fragrance
R+Co
CASSETTE Curl Defining Conditioner + Superseed Oil Complex
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, silicones, chemical UV filters, salicylic acid
Torriden
CELLMAZING Pore Perfecting Ampoule
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Cocokind
Chlorophyll Discoloration Correcting Serum
Serum · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Clinique
Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara
Mascara · Lists silicones
Dermalogica
Circular Hydration Serum
Serum · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils
Shea Moisture
cirl & shine conditionner
Lists fragrance
BYOMA
Clarifying Serum
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, essential oils
Banila Co
Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser
Lists fragrance
Merit
Clean Lash
Mascara · Lists fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones
Not Your Mother’s
Clean Slate Daily Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils
iS Clinical
Cleansing Complex Polish
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, retinoid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
NARS
Climax Extreme Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
NARS
Climax Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Unilever
cocoa radiant lotion
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, silicones
St. Ives
Coconut and Orchid Hand & Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
Palmer’s
Coconut Oil Formula
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones
St. Ives
Collagen and Elastin Hand & Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, coconut derivatives
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.