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
L’Oréal
Honig Geheimnisse
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones
Stila
HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Not Your Mother’s
Hydrate Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol
St. Ives
Hydrating
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
The INKEY List
Hydrating Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
Sunscreen · Lists silicones, chemical UV filters, coconut derivatives
Duke Cannon
Hydrating Face Wash
Lists exfoliating acid, coconut derivatives
Catrice
Hyper Length Mascara
Mascara · Lists coconut derivatives
Essence
I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Essence
I Love Extreme Volume Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Maybelline
Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Washable Mascara
Mascara · Lists silicones
MAC
In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara
Mascara · Lists silicones
Kevyn Aucoin
Indecent Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Wonderskin
Infinite Rizz Mascara
Mascara · Lists drying alcohol, silicones
Wonderskin
Infinite Rizz Mascara - Black
Mascara · Lists drying alcohol, silicones
L’Oréal
Innovation Fructis Après-Shampooing fortifiant
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid
Philosophy
instant glow peeling mousse
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, drying alcohol, coconut derivatives
Revision Skincare
Intellishade Matte
Sunscreen · Lists silicones, chemical UV filters
Curlsmith
Invincible Volume Mousse
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
Wet n Wild
Jelly Drip Lip Glaze
Lip · Lists fragrance, drying alcohol, silicones
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson’s Hidratación Intensa Acondicionador
Lists fragrance
L’Oréal
Juicy Mask Radiance / Éclat
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid
SHEGLAM
Keep It Up Curl Protect & Hold 2-In-1 Styling Treatment
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Henkel
Kératine Color 4.6 Châtain Chocolat
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, salicylic acid
Aussie
KIDS CURLY LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
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.