Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether. It dissolves easily in cold and hot water to form clear, uniform viscous solutions without forming gel when heated. Its molecular structure endowing it with thickening, water retention, film-forming and surface-active properties. HEC is chemically stable, inert to most acids, alkalis and common surfactants, and exhibits good compatibility with various raw materials in formulation systems.

🌱 Core Advantages

• Efficient thickening & rheology control:

Provides outstanding thickening power at low dosages; offers pseudoplastic flow, meaning the solution turns thin under stirring and thickens again at rest.

• Superior water retention capacity:  

Locks moisture firmly to prevent rapid water evaporation, avoiding cracking, drying or poor film formation of coating layers.

• Good film-forming & lubricating property:  

Forms flexible, tough, breathable films; brings smooth lubrication to personal care and construction applications.

• Biocompatible & low irritation:  

Natural cellulose-based, non-toxic, mild to skin and eyes, biodegradable under natural environments.

• Anti-sagging & suspension ability:  

Prevents pigment, filler settling in coatings; avoids vertical sagging for wall paints and putties.

• Wide compatibility:  

Fully compatible with anionic, cationic and non-ionic surfactants, pigments, resins, salts and most common additives without flocculation or precipitation.

• Stable pH performance:  

Maintains stable viscosity across pH 2–12; not sensitive to mild acids and alkalis.

🧱 Key Applications

1. Coatings & Paints

Interior/exterior latex paint, water-based industrial coatings, printing inks, latex putty. HEC thickens the paint, stabilizes suspension, improves brushing smoothness, extends open time and reduces sagging on vertical walls.

2. Personal Care & Cosmetics

Shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser, lotion, cream, hair gel, mask essence. It thickens surfactant systems, stabilizes foam, boosts water retention for skin moisturization, creates soft texture and forms protective breathable films on skin/hair.

3. Construction Materials

Self-leveling mortar, cement plaster, tile adhesive, gypsum-based products. It retains water to ensure complete hydration of cement/gypsum, prolongs opend time, enhances mortar workability and prevents surface cracking.

4. Oil & Gas Drilling

Water-based drilling fluid, completion fluid. Serves as viscosifier and filtrate reducer; controls fluid loss into rock formations, lubricates drill bits and stabilizes well walls.

5. Daily Chemical Detergents

High-viscosity liquid detergent, dishwashing liquid, fabric softener. Adjusts viscosity, stabilizes foam and improves product appearance without reducing cleaning efficiency.

6. Pharmaceutical Industry

Oral suspension syrups, topical ointments, eye drops. Acts as thickener, suspending agent and film-coating material for tablets; safe for human body with low irritation.

7. Other Fields

Paper sizing agent, textile printing thickener, ceramic glaze suspension agent, water-based adhesive, agricultural pesticide suspension concentrate.

Available Grade

HEC For Paint:

HEC for Oil Field:

HEC for Personal Care: 

Please contact us for more details