Cellulose Gum

Cellulose gum (carboxymethylcellulose) is primarily a thickener/stabilizer, typically used at low concentrations (~0.1–2%), and is generally considered biologically inert on skin. Clinical experience and patch-test data indicate a very low rate of irritation or sensitization, though rare contact reactions can occur, especially on severely compromised barriers. Given the need to avoid underestimating risk in highly reactive eczema populations, it fits best as exceptionally gentle rather than completely inert. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, cellulose gum (carboxymethylcellulose) is commonly used as a secondary rheology modifier/suspension aid at very low levels (~0.05–0.3%) in lotions, serums, and cleansers, where it subtly boosts viscosity and stabilizes insoluble actives. The highest consumer-available levels are seen in thick gel products (e.g., peel-off/mask gels, aloe-style gels, some wash-off treatments) where it can serve as a primary gellant/film former, typically reaching ~1–2.5% before texture becomes overly stringy/tacky or difficult to process; rinse-off formats more often sit at the lower-to-mid part of the range while leave-on gels/masks more often occupy the upper end.