Innovative Application of HPMC in Personal Cleansing Products

As a nonionic cellulose ether compound, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (INCI: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) exhibits unique rheological properties and multifunctional advantages in modern cosmetic-grade surfactant systems. Experimental studies have shown that adding 0.5-2.0% HPMC (viscosity range of 4000-15000cps) to the shower gel formula can significantly increase the viscosity of the system through its three-dimensional network structure, while giving it unique characteristics:

Excellent stability

• Wide temperature stability: Maintains a stable phase in the range of -5℃ to 45℃, effectively solving the industry problems of crystal precipitation at low temperatures and layer separation at high temperatures

• Electrolyte tolerance: Maintains >98% viscosity retention in a 20% NaCl system (controlled experimental data)

• Shear thinning properties: The thixotropic index (TI) is as high as 4.8, ensuring optimal fluidity during distribution and high adhesion during retention

Enhanced skin compatibility

• Film-forming protection: Forms an oxygen-permeable moisturizing film through intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Corneometer® tests show that the hydration of the stratum corneum is increased by 23.6% after 30 minutes

• Reduced irritation: EpiSkin® model validation shows that the SLES system irritation index is reduced by 42% (adding 1.0% HPMC)

• Foam Optimization: Synergistically works with cocamidopropyl betaine to produce microbubbles (<50μm in diameter) with a 70% increase in contact area

Environmental Sustainability Advantages

• Completely biodegradable: >90% degradation within 28 days according to OECD 301B

• Zero-pollution production: Meets ECOCERT organic certification standards

• Toxicological safety: Certified by FDA 21CFR172.874 and ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity tests

Clinical evaluations have shown that facial cleansers with HPMC have a 39% increase in “velvety texture” scores in sensory tests, and the moisturizing effect lasts for more than 12 hours after rinsing without residue. This “smart thickening” property enables excellent cleansing even in low surfactant systems (<10% AES), providing an innovative solution for the development of mild, water-saving cleansing products.