Cellulose Ether for Liquid Detergent HEC, CMC & HPMC solutions for viscosity control, suspension stability, texture, and storage performance in water-based liquid detergent formulations.

HEC (Hydroxyethyl Cellulose) is the most commonly used cellulose ether in liquid detergent for viscosity control, thickening, suspension stability, and smooth texture. CMC may be used in selected liquid laundry systems for soil suspension and anti-redeposition. HPMC may be considered in specialty or gel-type formats.

HEC improves viscosity, creates smooth product texture, supports suspension of particles and opacifiers, improves pouring and dosing behavior, and helps maintain formulation appearance during storage. As a non-ionic polymer, HEC is compatible with a broad range of surfactant systems.

Yes. CMC can be used in selected liquid detergent systems, particularly liquid laundry detergent, where soil suspension and anti-redeposition support are required. Because CMC is anionic, compatibility with surfactant system, electrolyte level, and pH must be confirmed through testing before scale-up.

A common reference dosage range is 0.1%–1.2% by weight, depending on detergent type, viscosity target, grade, surfactant system, and electrolyte level. Gel-type systems may use up to 1.2%; neutral cleaners may require 0.1%–0.6%. Final dosage must be confirmed through testing.

Viscosity loss may be caused by surfactant incompatibility, elevated electrolyte levels, pH changes, temperature fluctuations, poor initial hydration, microbial degradation, or unsuitable cellulose ether grade. Systematic storage stability testing under relevant temperature conditions is recommended.

Cellulose ether selection may support clarity in some formulations, but final clarity depends on surfactant type, solvents, fragrance, salt level, polymer grade, and processing. HEC is generally more compatible with clear targets than CMC in many systems, but this must be confirmed through testing.

Lumps or fish eyes typically occur when cellulose ether is added too quickly, poorly dispersed before hydration, or not given sufficient mixing time. Optimize addition method — pre-dispersing in compatible solvent or adding slowly under agitation helps prevent lump formation.

Define your detergent type, surfactant system, pH range, electrolyte level, clarity target, viscosity target, storage requirements, and mixing process. Contact LANDERCOLL with these parameters — our technical team can recommend suitable HEC, CMC, or selected grades and provide samples for testing.