Hydroxyethyl cellulose

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose through ethylene oxide substitution. It carries no E-code designation and is commercially available under trade names including Natrosol, Cellosize, Tylose H 300, Glutofix 600, and Natrosol 250HX. The abbreviation HEC is standard across technical literature and supplier documentation.

In architectural coatings, HEC thickens aqueous paint formulations by forming a hydrogen-bonded network that controls viscosity and prevents pigment settling without altering film clarity. In personal care, it builds gel structure in shampoos and topical gels while stabilising emulsions through steric hindrance. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a binder and controlled-release matrix in solid dosage forms.

HEC is supplied in multiple viscosity grades matched to application shear requirements and is available as a free-flowing powder. It complies with Ph.Eur. and USP/NF monographs for pharmaceutical use and falls under REACH registration obligations within the EU. HS code 39123980 applies for import and export classification.