Author: Unionchem Publish Time: 2026-01-19 Origin: Qingdao Unionchem Co.,Ltd.
In the personal care industry, the consumer's first impression isn't just the scent—it's the texture. The way a shampoo pours from the bottle, the way toothpaste holds its shape on the brush, or the silky feel of a body wash; these are all rheological properties controlled by hydrocolloids.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), widely known by its INCI name Cellulose Gum, is one of the most reliable and cost-effective thickeners available. However, for a formulator, the challenge lies in the details. With dozens of grades available, picking the wrong one can lead to separation, cloudiness, or a "stringy" texture.
This guide explores how to select the precise CMC grade to elevate your personal care formulations.
In personal care, CMC serves three primary functions: thickening, stabilizing, and water binding. But not all CMC is created equal.
For any product contacting the skin or mucous membranes (like toothpaste), High Purity (>99.5%) is non-negotiable.
Safety: It ensures the absence of manufacturing by-products.
Clarity: High purity grades dissolve into clearer solutions, which is essential for transparent shampoos and gels.
Low Viscosity: Used for thin films and moisture retention without adding bulk.
Medium/High Viscosity: Used to build structure and "body" in gels and creams.
(Internal Link Opportunity: See the full range of viscosity options in our Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Product List.)
When matching a CMC grade to your project, consider these three critical factors:
Most shampoos and body washes rely on anionic surfactants (like SLES).
The Match: Since CMC is also anionic, it is generally compatible with these systems.
The Watch-out: Avoid using CMC with cationic conditioning agents (often found in 2-in-1 shampoos), as they can precipitate. For those systems, you might need a non-ionic alternative like HEC.
Consumers prefer products that flow easily but don't run like water.
Pseudoplasticity: CMC is shear-thinning. It looks thick in the bottle but flows smoothly when squeezed.
Thixotropy: For toothpaste, you need a grade with high thixotropy—it must be solid enough to sit on the bristles but fluid enough to foam when brushed.
The Goal: Smooth, non-tacky, and fresh.
The Tip: Using a High-DS (Degree of Substitution) CMC often results in a smoother feel and better clarity because the polymer chains are more uniformly hydrated.
Here is a quick reference guide for common personal care applications:
Product | Recommended CMC Type | Role & Benefit |
Toothpaste | High Viscosity, High Thixotropy | Binder: Prevents solid/liquid separation. Gives the paste its "stand-up" structure. |
Shampoo / Body Wash | Medium Viscosity, High DS | Foam Stabilizer: Thickens the liquid and helps stabilize the bubble structure for a richer lather. |
Hand Creams | Low-Medium Viscosity | Emulsion Stabilizer: Prevents oil separation and provides a protective moisture film on the skin. |
Hair Styling Gels | High Viscosity | Fixative: Provides hold and stiffness without flaking. |
Even experienced formulators face hurdles. Here is how CMC solves them:
Problem: Syneresis (Water weeping from a gel).
Solution: Increase the CMC concentration or switch to a higher viscosity grade to bind the free water more effectively.
Problem: Cloudy Gel.
Solution: Switch to a High-DS CMC. Higher substitution improves solubility and optical clarity.
Problem: Lumps during mixing (Fish eyes).
Solution: Pre-mix CMC with other dry ingredients (like salts or preservatives) before adding water, or use a high-shear mixer.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose is a foundational ingredient in personal care. It bridges the gap between a watery mixture and a luxurious product experience. By carefully selecting the viscosity and substitution degree, you can control everything from the foam stability of a shampoo to the ribbon texture of a toothpaste.
At Unionchem, we provide high-purity Cellulose Gum tailored for the personal care industry, ensuring your products meet both safety standards and consumer expectations.
Ready to refine your formulation?Explore our Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) specifications or contact our technical team for a sample.
Q1: Is CMC safe for sensitive skin?
A: Yes. High-purity CMC (Cellulose Gum) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and is non-toxic and non-irritating. It is widely used in hypoallergenic and sensitive skin formulations because it does not penetrate the skin barrier.
Q2: Can CMC be used in sulfate-free shampoos?
A: Absolutely. Sulfate-free shampoos often struggle with viscosity because they lack the salt-thickening response of traditional sulfates. CMC is an excellent way to build viscosity in these difficult-to-thicken systems.
Q3: Is CMC biodegradable?
A: Yes, CMC is derived from natural cellulose (wood or cotton) and is biodegradable, making it a suitable choice for eco-friendly personal care brands.
Q4: What is the difference between CMC and Xanthan Gum in personal care?
A: CMC generally offers a smoother, less "snotty" texture than Xanthan Gum. However, Xanthan Gum has better stability in extremely acidic pH or high-salt environments. Often, the two are used together for a synergistic effect.
