Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

CMC / Sodium CMC / Cellulose gum

Safety Notes

Anionic cellulose polymer; water-soluble thickener; emulsion stabiliser; good compatibility; COSMOS-approved; low sensitization risk; also food-grade ingredient

Function & Common Use

Function

Viscosity Agent / Stabiliser / Binder

Category

Viscosity Agent

Common In

Emulsion stabilisers gels binders

Origin

Semi-synthetic (cellulose)

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 Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose safe to use in skincare?

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Anionic cellulose polymer; water-soluble thickener; emulsion stabiliser; good compatibility; COSMOS-approved; low sensitization risk; also food-grade ingredient

Is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose allowed in India?

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose used for in cosmetics?

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose functions as: Viscosity Agent / Stabiliser / Binder. It is commonly found in: Emulsion stabilisers gels binders.

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

CAS9004-32-4
ECN/A

Want to check if your product contains Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose?

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 →