Microcrystalline Cellulose

Microcrystalline Cellulose is a viscosity controlling and emulsion stabilising ingredient. It’s in 233 products on Poliage, most often sunscreen, mascara and exfoliant. Avoid lists on Poliage that include it: none.

Updated October 21, 2026

In plain English

Purified plant cellulose powder. Absorbs liquid, thickens and keeps powders from caking.

What it does

Contains Microcrystalline Cellulose: absorbent
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Microcrystalline Cellulose: anticaking
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Microcrystalline Cellulose: bulking
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Microcrystalline Cellulose: emulsion-stabilising
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Microcrystalline Cellulose: opacifying
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Microcrystalline Cellulose: stabilising
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Microcrystalline Cellulose: viscosity-controlling
Function listed in CosIng

Source: CosIng, the European Commission cosmetic ingredient database, ref 78508, accessed October 22, 2026. Also listed as cellulose.

Products that contain Microcrystalline Cellulose

lemon zesty scrub
Lists fragrance, sulfates, parabens
NUDESTIX EXFOLIANT
Nudestix
Lemon-Aid Detox & Glow Micro-Peel
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils
ColourPop
Level Up Lengthening Mascara
Mascara · Lists coconut derivatives
DOVE BODY WASH
Dove
Limited Edition Strawberry + Kiwi Body Wash
Body wash · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
Mario Badescu
Lip Balm (Squeeze Tube)
Lip · Lists fragrance, silicones, coconut derivatives
MEDIK8 SERUM
Medik8
Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
Serum · Lists silicones
Jane Iredale
Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
COSRX EXFOLIANT
COSRX
Low pH Goodnight Soft Peeling Gel
Exfoliant · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
MAD HIPPIE SUNSCREEN
Mad Hippie
Luminizing Facial SPF
Sunscreen · Lists coconut derivatives
Stila
Magnum XXX Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
OSEA SUNSCREEN
OSEA
Marine Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Sunscreen · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
bareMinerals
MAXIMIST Phyto-Fiber Volumizing Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
NIVEA EXFOLIANT
Nivea
Maximum Hydration Deep Cleansing Face Scrub
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, drying alcohol, sulfates, parabens, chemical UV filters, coconut derivatives
CATRICE SUNSCREEN
Catrice
Melted Sun Cream Bronzer
Sunscreen · Lists silicones
DR. SQUATCH
Dr. Squatch
Men’s Natural Moisturizing Lotion
Lists fragrance
Wander
Mile High Club Length and Define Mascara
Mascara · Lists silicones, coconut derivatives
SUN BUM SUNSCREEN
Sun Bum
Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
Sunscreen · Lists coconut derivatives
SUN BUM SUNSCREEN
Sun Bum
Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
Sunscreen · Lists coconut derivatives
SUN BUM SUNSCREEN
Sun Bum
Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Sunscreen · Lists coconut derivatives
SUN BUM SUNSCREEN
Sun Bum
Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
Sunscreen · Lists coconut derivatives
BABO BOTANICALS SUNSCREEN
Babo Botanicals
Mineral SPF Moisturizer - Daily Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 for Face
Sunscreen · Lists coconut derivatives
BABO BOTANICALS SUNSCREEN
Babo Botanicals
Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin - Dermatologist Tested
Sunscreen · Lists coconut derivatives
Mario Badescu
Mint Lip Balm (Squeeze Tube)
Lip · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones, coconut derivatives
GLO SKIN BEAUTY FOUNDATION
Glo Skin Beauty
Modern Matte Foundation
Foundation · Lists exfoliating acid, silicones, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives

Related guides