Description
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a plant-derived thickening agent and rheology modifier. It is used to create clear gels and can also be used to thicken surfactant formulas. It is also water soluble and non-ionic. HEC is made from gum tree sources and has a pH of 6. It has a shelf life of three years when stored correctly.
A plant derived thickening gum, hydroxyethyl cellulose (or HEC for short) creates beautiful clear gels and is a thickener and non-ionic rheology modifier in formulations.
Sizes: 100g, 500g, 1kg, 5kg, 10kg, 20kg.
HYDROXYETHYL CELLULOSE USES
Gel maker for high viscosity, clear gels
Use it to thicken surfactant formulas, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and other formulas where thickening is required
BENEFITS OF HYDROXYETHYL CELLULOSE
Boosts surfactant performance
Creates smooth gels, no snottiness like with xanthan gum
Thickener
HEC is able to hold small amounts of oils (>5%) in suspension
Note that HEC does not work with non-ionic surfactants. Please use an anionic surfactant such as Hostapur OS Liquid (Sodium C14-16 alpha olefin sulfonate) or sodium lauroyl sarcosinate.
HOW TO USE HYDROXYETHYL CELLULOSE
Usage: 0.1 - 3%. You could use more but it would create a very thick substance!
Blend with vegetable glycerine to hydrate then add the rest of water phase and blend well. It will thicken without heat over the course of a few hours. If you would like to speed up the process you can gently heat the mixture, or use warm water instead of cold.
Alternatively you can sprinkle the cellulose into the water phase at high shear and blend until desired consistency is reached.
HYDROXYETHYL CELLULOSE INGREDIENTS
Hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium acetate, water, cellulose, ethanedial. From gum tree sources such as pine and spruce.
White powder
Water soluble
Non-ionic
pH: 6
Shelf life: three years when stored correctly in a cool, dark place.