INGREDIENT GLOSSARY
Cellulose Gum
*Also called; Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)
Cosmetic / Ingestion Purposes:
Masking, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Binding Agent, Binding, Film Forming
Ingredient Analysis
(Click on text for more information for each category)
*ORGANIC
Cellulose Gum
What does it do? What is it used for? Read further to learn how Organna CBD uses this ingredient to compliment our product offerings.
in simple terms,
Cellulose gum, derived from cellulose fibers, is a versatile, water-soluble polymer used in cosmetics. It acts as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier, enhancing product texture and stability in creams, lotions, and shampoos while providing hydration and a gentle touch suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
How safe is
Cellulose Gum
Cellulose Gum rated 1 of 10. This ingredient is considered low hazard and SAFE! Smile Optics only uses All-Natural ingredients in the formulation of our products.
Let's dive a little deeper...
Cellulose gum is a common food additive used to thicken and stabilize a variety of foods. Food gums harness the properties of other substances found in nature to impart useful characteristics in food. Food gums can help keep foods and beverages stable so nutrients remain mixed, ensure that oil and water based ingredients don’t separate and help produce a consistent texture that consumers expect from certain foods.
Cellulose gum is produced from the structural parts of certain plants, primarily trees or cotton. Cellulose gum sources are farmed sustainably and processed using a form of acetic acid and salt. Acetic acid is a mild acid which is a main component of vinegar. After mixing the cotton or wood with acetic acid and salt, the mixture is filtered and dried to create a fine powder—the cellulose gum. Cellulose gum is very useful as only a small amount needs to be added to foods to maintain moisture or increase texture and thickness. As a result, you will often find it listed near the end of the ingredients list in foods.
Cellulose gum, also known as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC), is a derivative of cellulose, a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. It's a water-soluble polymer derived from wood pulp or cotton fibers, commonly used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Description and Properties:
Cellulose gum is a white to off-white, odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic powder. Its unique properties make it highly versatile in cosmetic applications. It's a hydrophilic polymer, meaning it has an affinity for water, making it soluble and dispersible in aqueous solutions. This gum thickens, stabilizes, and provides viscosity to formulations, allowing for better product consistency and texture.
History:
The use of cellulose derivatives like cellulose gum dates back to the early 20th century. Initially developed as a thickening agent and stabilizer for food products, its utility quickly expanded to other industries due to its excellent water-binding and emulsifying properties. Over time, it became an integral component in various consumer products, including cosmetics.
Cosmetics Usage:
Cellulose gum finds wide application in the cosmetics industry due to its multifunctional properties:
Thickening Agent: It enhances the viscosity of cosmetic formulations, contributing to the desired texture and consistency of products like creams, lotions, and gels.
Stabilizer and Emulsifier: It helps stabilize emulsions, preventing ingredients from separating in products like creams and lotions, thus extending their shelf life.
Suspension Agent: Cellulose gum aids in suspending solid particles in liquid formulations, preventing settling and maintaining product uniformity.
Moisturizer and Hydration: Due to its ability to bind with water, it can help improve the moisture retention of skincare products, offering hydration to the skin.
Film-Forming Properties: In some formulations, it contributes to the formation of a film on the skin, providing a protective barrier.
Sensitive Skin Care: Its mild and non-irritating properties make it suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
Cosmetic products such as facial cleansers, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, and toothpaste often contain cellulose gum to achieve desired texture, stability, and performance.
Cellulose gum's safety profile, combined with its functionality, has made it a staple ingredient in numerous cosmetic and personal care formulations. Its ability to improve product performance while remaining safe for use has ensured its continued prevalence in the cosmetics industry.
Simple ingredients backed by science to create a profound effect.
Checkout some of our products containing
Cellulose Gum