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CELLULOSE ACETATE

Last update on Jul 3, 2025

Cellulose Acetate is a synthetic film-forming agent that is often found in mascaras, foundations, and sunscreens. This characteristic helps improve the wear time of different cosmetic products. Although not an active ingredient, Cellulose Acetate plays an important functional and textural role in a range of formulations. It adds a smooth, velvety finish to products like creams and lotions. Apart from this, Cellulose Acetate is used to thicken formulations and bind powders together. This biodegradable ingredient is derived from natural cellulose and is the more stable form. It is safe and generally non-comedogenic at recommended concentrations. The chemical formula of Cellulose Acetate is C₁₄H₁₆N₄.

CAS Number: 9004-35-7Chem/IUPAC Name: 1-(2-methylpropyl)imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amineEINECS/ELINCS No: 9004-35-7COSING REF No: 32481

Products with CELLULOSE ACETATE

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Cameleon™ CelluRed

by DKSH

INCI: CI 77891 | CI 77491 | CELLULOSE ACETATE | PROPYLENE GLYCOL STEARATE | MAGNESIUM STEARATE

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Cameleon™ CelluWhite

by DKSH

INCI: TITANIUM/TITANIUM DIOXIDE | CELLULOSE ACETATE | BORON NITRIDE | PROPYLENE GLYCOL STEARATE | ACRYLATES/AMMONIUM METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER

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AvoCap™ 2

by DKSH

INCI: BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE | CELLULOSE ACETATE

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What is CELLULOSE ACETATE used for?

Cellulose Acetate is primarily used in cosmetics for its excellent film-forming capabilities. This helps enhance the wear time of makeup products like mascaras and foundations. As a bulking agent, it improves the texture and spreadability of cosmetics. It also has an opacifying nature that helps provide a matte finish to formulations and improve their aesthetic appeal. Additionally, Cellulose Acetate acts as a gentle abrasive in facial and body scrubs. Being biodegradable, it is an excellent replacement for plastic microbeads. Although not common, Cellulose Acetate can also be used in hair products like hairsprays, gels, and styling creams to create a light hold by forming a film over hair strands.

Origin

Cellulose Acetate is made by chemically modifying natural cellulose that comes from wood pulp or cotton linters. This process is done to make the ingredient less hydrophilic and more thermoplastic. First, the cellulose is soaked in glacial acetic acid to soak the fibers and make them more reactive. It is then reacted with acetic anhydride to give Cellulose Acetate. The final ingredient is washed, dried, and purified.

What does CELLULOSE ACETATE do in a formulation?

FILM FORMING|

BULKING|

OPACIFYING|

ABRASIVE

Safety Profile

Cellulose Acetate is non-toxic in cosmetic-grade forms. It has an extremely low irritation potential and is also non-irritating to the eyes. Further, it is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores. It can be used by most skin types. However, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test prior to full application. Additionally, being biodegradable, Cellulose Acetate is also safe for the environment.