Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)

Hypromellose

Safety Notes

Film former; ophthalmological-grade used in eye drops; film-coating agent; safe; used in hair styling gels and leave-on hair products

Function & Common Use

Function

Viscosity Agent / Film Former

Category

Viscosity Agent

Common In

Eye drops contact lens products gels

Origin

Semisynthetic (cellulose-based)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) safe to use in skincare?

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Film former; ophthalmological-grade used in eye drops; film-coating agent; safe; used in hair styling gels and leave-on hair products

Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) allowed in India?

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) used for in cosmetics?

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) functions as: Viscosity Agent / Film Former. It is commonly found in: Eye drops contact lens products gels.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS9004-65-3
ECN/A

Want to check if your product contains Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)?

Analyse a Product
WhatsApp Community

Join The Clean Sheet™ community

Science-backed beauty tips, ingredient alerts, and early access. Straight to your WhatsApp.

Join for free →