CELLOSIZE™ Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) is a line of nonionic, water-soluble, cellulose based polymers from Dow Chemical.  Hydroxyethyl cellulose is the product of reacting alkali-cellulose with ethylene oxide.  This reaction converts some of the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose polymer to hydroxyethyl groups to create a cellulose ether.  CELLOSIZE™ is used a thickener across aqueous based personal care applications, such as shampoos.

CELLOSIZE™ Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) grades are differentiatied by the viscosity or molecular weight of the aqueous solution that they produce at 2% by weight. CELLOSIZE™ low viscosity grades have a rheology that is near Newtonian and useful stable viscosity applications.  Solutions of high molecular weight CELLOSIZE™, however, behave in a non-Newtonian manner on the contrary.

Not limited to being a thickening agent, CELLOSIZE Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) can also act as an emulsifier, binder, and stabilizer for emulsions. Select a grade below for more information or contact us to speak with one of our dedicated product experts.


ChemPoint is a Dow authorized supplier of CELLOSIZE™ Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) in various personal care applications.