Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (inci)

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose a methylcellulose derivative (see below methylcellulose), acts as a binder (binds cosmetic preparations containing powder and powder), emulsion former (supports emulsion formation and improves the resistance and durability of emulsions), film former (forms a film on skin, hair or nails when applied) and viscosity regulator (increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetic products).

Methyl cellulose is a methyl ether of cellulose and is formed by replacing the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups with methyl groups. Mixed cellulose ethers which additionally contain 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl or 2-hydroxybutyl groups (e.g. hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) are also called methylcellulose.