Microcrystalline Cellulose
A cosmetic ingredient used as abrasive, absorbent, anticaking in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Microcrystalline Cellulose is the isolated, colloidal crystalline portion of cellulose fibers.
What does it do?
Microcrystalline Cellulose is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Abrasive
removes material from the skin or other surface, used in scrubs and toothpaste
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Absorbent
takes up water-based or oil-based substances
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Anticaking
prevents powders from clumping or caking, keeping them free-flowing
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Bulking
adds volume or mass to a product without significantly changing its other properties
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Emulsion stabilising
stabilises emulsions of oil and water, preventing separation over time
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Light stabilizer
protects a cosmetic formulation from degradation by UV light, extending its shelf life
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Opacifying
makes a transparent or translucent formulation opaque or pearlescent
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Viscosity controlling
adjusts the thickness or flow of a formulation
EU regulatory status
Microcrystalline Cellulose is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Microcrystalline Cellulose?
Microcrystalline Cellulose is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Microcrystalline Cellulose is the isolated, colloidal crystalline portion of cellulose fibers.
Is Microcrystalline Cellulose allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Microcrystalline Cellulose is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Microcrystalline Cellulose do in cosmetic products?
Microcrystalline Cellulose is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, emulsion stabilising, light stabilizer, opacifying, viscosity controlling.
What is the CAS number of Microcrystalline Cellulose?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Microcrystalline Cellulose is 9004-34-6.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 08/10/2020