HEC in daily chemical products

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer with excellent thickening, film-forming, moisturizing, emulsifying stability and suspension properties. Due to its good biocompatibility and stability, HEC is widely used in daily chemical products, especially in washing, skin care and cleaning products, playing an important role.

1. Basic characteristics of HEC

HEC is a modified cellulose derivative made by introducing hydroxyethyl groups into natural cellulose through etherification reaction. It has good water solubility and can quickly disperse and dissolve even in cold water to form a transparent or translucent colloidal solution. HEC has good adaptability to pH changes and is suitable for formulation systems with a wide pH range. It also has high tolerance to electrolytes. In addition, it also has good shear thinning properties, that is, the viscosity decreases during stirring or extrusion, and the viscosity can be restored after stopping, which is convenient for the application and use of the product.

2. Application of HEC in shampoo and shower gel

In shampoo and shower gel, HEC is mainly used as a thickener and foam stabilizer. Modern washing and care products usually need to take into account good feel, rich foam and appropriate fluidity. HEC can effectively increase the viscosity in the surfactant system, making the product appearance more stable and more comfortable to use. At the same time, HEC can improve the texture of the foam, making the foam more delicate and lasting. In addition, HEC forms a protective film on the surface of hair and skin, which has a certain softness and moisturizing effect, and enhances the skin care and hair care function of washing and care products.

3. Application of HEC in skin care products

In skin care products such as lotions, creams, and essences, HEC mainly plays the role of thickening, emulsification stabilization and moisturizing. Its good film-forming property helps to form a thin protective layer on the skin surface, reduce water evaporation, and enhance the skin's moisturizing ability. At the same time, HEC can improve the touch of the product, make the paste smoother, and enhance the consumer's experience. In addition, in transparent skin care products, such as gel and essence water, HEC can provide a clear and transparent appearance, and is not easy to flocculate, which enhances the visual experience.

4. Application of HEC in cleansing products and detergents

HEC is often added to cleansing products such as cleansing milk and cleansing gel to adjust viscosity and improve product fluidity. HEC can prevent the foam from being lost too quickly during the cleansing process, enhance the stability of the foam, and enhance the softness during the cleaning process. In household cleaners, glass cleaners and other products, HEC acts as a suspending agent and adhesive to help solid particles be evenly distributed and prevent precipitation, while enhancing product adhesion and improving cleaning efficiency.

5. Environmental protection and safety of HEC

HEC is derived from natural cellulose, has good biodegradability and environmental protection, and is in line with the green and safe development trend of modern daily chemical products. Its non-ionic properties also make it compatible with a variety of ingredients in the formula, with high safety, and suitable for sensitive skin and infant products.

6. Development Prospects

As consumers' requirements for the efficacy and skin feel of daily chemical products increase, HEC will be more widely used in high-end daily chemical products. In the future, with further research on the structure and performance of HEC, it is expected that more functional HEC derivatives will be developed to meet the needs of personalized and differentiated products.

HEC plays an important role in daily chemical products due to its excellent physical and chemical properties and good safety. Whether it is washing products, skin care products or household cleaners, HEC brings them better use experience and stability, and is one of the indispensable important raw materials in the modern daily chemical industry.