Ingredient · dataset v56
Hydroxyethylcellulose and fungal acne
No known trigger
Why it's not a known trigger
A cellulose-derived gel thickener; plant-fiber chemistry, water-soluble, not a fat.
Evidence strength
Judged neutral — no trigger evidence
Function
Thickener
Also listed as
HEC
Checked products with this ingredient (6)
Product types: Body care, Hair care, Micellar waters, Moisturizers, Serums & Treatments, Toners
Body care (1)
Hair care (1)
Micellar waters (1)
Moisturizers (1)
Serums & Treatments (1)
Toners (1)
Related thickener
- Acacia Senegal Gum — No known trigger
- Agar — No known trigger
- Algin — No known trigger
- Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate — No known trigger
- Bentonite — No known trigger
- Biosaccharide Gum-1 — No known trigger
- Biosaccharide Gum-2 — No known trigger
- Calamine — No known trigger
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Hydroxyethylcellulose trigger fungal acne?
No known trigger: A cellulose-derived gel thickener; plant-fiber chemistry, water-soluble, not a fat.
Does Hydroxyethylcellulose feed Malassezia?
No known link: Hydroxyethylcellulose is judged with no known trigger. One screened ingredient is not a product verdict — when in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Hydroxyethylcellulose →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.