company tower banner
Dow North America Company Logo

CELLOSIZE(TM) Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

1 of 22 products in this brand
CELLOSIZE(TM) Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is a multifunctional water-soluble, biobased polymer that enhances foams, forms films, thickens and stabilizes. Applications for this product include body washes and facial cleansers, shampoos, liquid hand soaps, shaving creams and foams, hair styling mousses and sulfate-free cleansing products.

INCI Name: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Labeling Claims: Allergen-free, BSE-free, Buy Now, CMR Substances-free, Endocrine Disruptor-free, Halal, Irradiation-free, Nanomaterials-free, Non-GMO, Not Listed In California Proposition 65, Palm Oil-free, Preservative-free, SVHC Chemicals-free, Solvent-free, TSE-free

Certifications & Compliance: EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009 Compliant, Halal, REACH (Europe)

Benefit Claims: Broad pH Stability, Compatibility, Conditioning, Easy to Dissolve In Cold Water, Foam Stability, Good Electrolyte Tolerance, High Lathering, Imparts Lubricity, Mild, Salt Tolerant, Water Retention

Knowde Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Composition

Methoxy and hydroxypropyl substituted cellulosic polymers

Chemical Structure

CELLOSIZE(TM) Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose - Chemical Structure

Features & Benefits

Product Highlights
  • Foam & lather stabilization
  • Thickening
  • Lubricity
  • Cold water dispersible
  • Allows clear formulas
  • Mild for the skin
  • Stable over a broad pH range (3–11)
  • Good salt & electrolyte tolerance
  • Synergistic conditioning behavior with UCARE™ & SoftCAT™ conditioning polymers

Applications & Uses

Application Format
Bath & Shower Applications
Personal Hygiene Applications
Recommended Applications
  • Shampoos
  • Body washes
  • Hand soaps & bar soaps
  • Hair gels & mousses
  • Shaving products
  • Skin care
Formulating Tips

Although CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is soluble in water, it must first be thoroughly dispersed in water to prevent lumping. In some applications, dispersion can be accomplished at ambient temperatures or in cold water by using an educator funnel or high-shear mixer. However, if the powder is added directly to cold water without sufficient agitation, a lumpy solution will result. Lumping results from incomplete wetting of the individual powder particles. Only part of the powder dissolves, leading to the formation of a gelatinous membrane which shields the remaining powder from complete hydration. Several dispersion techniques commonly used are described below.

Dispersion in Hot Water

  • Often called the “hot/cold” technique, this method takes advantage of the insolubility of CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose in hot water. Heat 1/5 to 1/3 of the total required volume of water to above 90°C, and then add the powder with agitation. Continue mixing until all powder particles are thoroughly wetted.
  • For complete solubilization, the remainder of the water is then added as cold water or ice to lower the temperature of the dispersion. Once the dispersion reaches the temperature where the powder becomes soluble, the powder begins to hydrate and solution viscosity increases. In general, CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose must be cooled to 20 - 25°C to achieve complete hydration. Continue mixing for at least 30 minutes after reaching 20 - 25°C.
  • In some applications it may be desirable to heat the entire volume of water, disperse the powder, then cool the mixture while agitating until hydration is complete. It is very important, however, to have adequate cooling after wetting with hot water to ensure complete hydration and viscosity development.

Dispersion by Dry Blending

Dry blending involves mixing CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose with other dry ingredients before adding the water component. Dry blending separates the particles of CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose to allow thorough wet-out and complete hydration when water is added.

Dispersion by Dry Blending

  • Begin by blending CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose with other dry powder ingredients. The suggested ratio of other dry powdered ingredients to CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is 7:1. However, this ratio may vary from 7:1 to 3:1. After blending, add the dry mix to the water with agitation.
  • The rate of hydration will depend upon both the relative particle sizes and the rate of agitation during and after addition of the mixture to water. Continue agitation until the CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose has completely hydrated and the solution is consistently smooth.

Dispersion in Non-solvent Media

  • CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose may also be dispersed in nonsolvent media such as vegetable oil, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerine, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup.
  • Begin by adding CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose to the non-solvent. A ratio of 5 to 8 parts of non-solvent to 1 part CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is recommended to obtain a fluid slurry.
  • Agitate the mixture until the particles of CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose are evenly dispersed. The dispersion of CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose in a non-solvent can then be added to cold water, or cold water can be added to the dispersion.
  • Continue mixing until the CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose powder is completely hydrated and the solution is smooth.

Properties

Physical Form
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Bio-based Carbon Weight69%
Hydroxypropyl Content7.0 - 12.0%DOWM 100755
Methoxyl Content28.0 - 30.0%DOWM 100755
Moisture Content (as packaged)max. 3.0%DOWM 100667
Particle Size (Through 40, U.S. Standard Sieve)min. 99%DOWM 100669
Sodium Chloride Contentmax. 2.0%DOWM 101985
Viscosity (at 20°C, 2% in water)3500 - 5600mPa.sDOWM 101537

Regulatory & Compliance

Technical Details & Test Data

Mechanism of Action

CELLOSIZE™ Texture products offer a unique property called interfacial gelation. This property is the cumulative result of the inherent surface activity and gelling behavior of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Interfacial thermal gelation occurs spontaneously even in very dilute systems over a wide range of use temperatures. This formation of gelled films within the foam accounts for the polymer's ability to enhance lather in cleansing products of all types. It also explains why foams are denser and more stable.

Regular Lather

CELLOSIZE(TM) Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose - Mechanism of Action

As the water drains the bubbles come together, thin, and collapse.

Lather with CELLOSIZE™ Texture

CELLOSIZE(TM) Texture E4M Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose - Mechanism of Action - 1

CELLOSIZE™ Texture polymers migrate to bubble walls. Gelation slows drainage to stabillize foam.

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type
Packaging Information

Product is sold in 25 kg bags.

Storage & Handling

Shelf Life
36 Months
Usable Life and Storage

Shelf life is 36 months. Store the product indoors in a closed container.

Disposal Considerations

Dispose in accordance with all local, state (provincial) and federal regulations. Empty containers may contain hazardous residues. This material and its container must be disposed in a safe and legal manner.