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Hydroxyethylcellulose

Also searched asHydroxyethyl Cellulose

Role: Thickens the water phase and gives a roll-on formula an even texture.
Catalog formulas: 15
Type: Texture
Verified: 06.11.2026

What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?

A modified cellulose. Its INCI functions are viscosity controlling, emulsion stabilizing, film forming and binding.

Part of a system, not a label in isolation

In roll-on antiperspirants and deodorants it keeps the formula from running and helps it go on evenly. It does not reduce sweating.

Regulatory and scientific context

The CIR found Hydroxyethylcellulose safe in the present practices of use (amended assessment, 2009).

What sensitive skin should consider

It is used as a thickener; an individual reaction to the finished product is possible.

Do not confuse with

It is not Cellulose Gum: both are cellulose derivatives, but with different chemical groups and different INCI names.

Products containing Hydroxyethylcellulose

Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.

ProductFormatRole in the formulaFull analysis

OKEY Hyperhidrosis Controlverified productroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Dry Dry Sensitive 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

MAX-F NoSweat Universal Extra-Strength 30% 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Certain Dri Clinical Strength Roll-On 35 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Effect Dry roll-on antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

NIVEA MEN Silver Protect roll-on antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

MAX-F Regular Strength 15% 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Dry Dry Light Roll-on 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

MAX-F Maximum Strength 35% for hands and feet 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

MAX-F Universal Extra-Strength 30% travel 20 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

DRYDRY DE Man roll-on 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Yves Rocher Citrus with Mint roll-on 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Yves Rocher Cotton & Mallow roll-on 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

ClarinsMen antiperspirant roll-on 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Clarins Déodorant Roll-On antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Sources

The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.

CIR: Quick Reference Table (summary of conclusions, 2014) Supports: safety conclusion
COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe): Hydroxyethylcellulose Supports: INCI functions, substance description

This ingredient is present in the OKEY formula

Verified product

See where it appears in the complete INCI list and compare the full formula across all criteria rather than judging a finished product by one ingredient.

View the OKEY product profile