Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose

Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether produced by reacting cellulose with ethylene oxide and methyl chloride. It is commercially available under trade names including Tylose MHB, Tylopur MH, Culminal MHEC, and Tylose MHB 30000. No E-code designation applies to this ingredient.

In dry-mix mortars and tile adhesives, HEMC controls water retention and open time by forming a hydrated polymer network that slows moisture migration into porous substrates. In personal care formulations, it builds viscosity in aqueous systems and stabilises emulsions by adsorbing at oil-water interfaces, reducing phase separation without altering pH.

HEMC is supplied as a white to off-white powder across a range of viscosity grades, including low-viscosity types such as Tylose MHB 1000 and high-viscosity grades such as Tylose MHB 30000. The substance is registered under REACH and classified under HS code 3912 39 85. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available in compliance with Ph.Eur. monographs.