Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) in Daily Chemical Products

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble polymer compound formed by chemical modification of natural cellulose. It is widely used in daily chemical products. As a common thickener, stabilizer and suspending agent, CMC occupies an important position in daily chemical products such as skin care products, toothpaste, detergents, etc. with its excellent physical and chemical properties.

1. Chemical properties of carboxymethyl cellulose
CMC is generated by the reaction of natural cellulose with sodium chloroacetate (or chloroacetic acid) in an alkaline environment. Its molecular structure mainly includes a cellulose skeleton and multiple carboxymethyl (-CH₂-COOH) groups, and the introduction of these groups gives CMC hydrophilicity. The molecular weight and degree of substitution of CMC (i.e., the carboxymethyl substitution rate on the cellulose molecule) are the key parameters affecting its solubility and thickening effect. In the formulation of daily chemical products, CMC usually appears as a white or slightly yellow powder with good water solubility and thickening properties.

2. Functional properties of carboxymethyl cellulose
The physicochemical properties of CMC give it multiple functions in daily chemical products:

Thickening performance: CMC exhibits thickening effect in aqueous solution, and its solution viscosity can be adjusted with the concentration, molecular weight and degree of substitution of CMC. Adding CMC in daily chemical products in an appropriate amount can increase the viscosity of the product, bring a better user experience, and also prevent the product from stratification or loss.

Stabilizer and suspending agent: The carboxyl group in the molecular structure of CMC can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules and has good water solubility and adhesion. CMC can form a uniformly distributed suspension system in the solution, thereby helping to stabilize insoluble particles or oil droplets in the product and prevent precipitation or stratification. This property is particularly important in detergents and emulsified skin care products containing particulate matter.

Film-forming property: CMC has excellent film-forming property, forming a protective film on the surface of the skin or teeth, which can reduce water evaporation and increase the moisturizing effect of the product. This property is widely used in skin care products and oral care products.

Lubricity: In daily chemical products such as toothpaste and shaving foam, CMC can provide good lubricity, help improve the smoothness of the product, reduce friction, and thus enhance the user experience.

3. Application of carboxymethyl cellulose in daily chemical products

The various properties of CMC make it an important ingredient in daily chemical products. The following are its specific applications in different products:

3.1 Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a typical example of CMC application in daily chemical products. CMC is mainly used as a thickener and stabilizer in toothpaste. Since toothpaste requires a certain viscosity to ensure effective cleaning and comfort when brushing teeth, the addition of CMC can increase the viscosity of toothpaste, so that it will not be too thin to adhere to the toothbrush, nor too thick to affect extrusion. CMC can also help suspend some insoluble ingredients such as abrasives in toothpaste to keep the texture of toothpaste stable. In addition, the film-forming property of CMC enables it to form a protective layer on the surface of teeth, increasing the cleaning effect of the oral cavity.

3.2 Detergents

The role of CMC in detergents is equally critical. Many liquid detergents and dishwashing liquids contain insoluble particles and surfactants, which are prone to stratification during storage. CMC, as a suspending agent and thickener, can effectively suspend particles, stabilize the texture of the product, and avoid stratification. In addition, CMC can provide a certain lubrication during use and reduce skin irritation, especially in laundry detergent and hand soap.

3.3 Skin care products

In skin care products, CMC is widely used as a thickener and moisturizer. For example, in products such as lotions, creams and essences, CMC can effectively increase the viscosity of the product and bring a smooth feeling of use. The film-forming properties of CMC enable it to form a protective film on the skin surface to prevent water evaporation and increase the moisturizing effect of the product, thereby achieving the purpose of long-term moisturizing. In addition, CMC has a high safety and is suitable for sensitive skin and various skin types.

3.4 Shaving foam and bath products

In shaving foam and bath products, CMC can play a lubricating role, enhance the smoothness of the product, and reduce skin friction. The thickening effect of CMC can also enhance the stability of foam, making the foam delicate and lasting, bringing a better shaving and bathing experience. In addition, the film-forming property of CMC can form a protective layer on the skin, reducing external irritation, especially suitable for sensitive skin.

4. Safety and sustainability of carboxymethyl cellulose

CMC is derived from natural cellulose and has high biodegradability. It will not cause persistent pollution to the environment during use, which meets the requirements of sustainable development. CMC has also been proven to be relatively safe for human use. CMC has been approved as a food additive in many countries, indicating that it has low toxicity to the human body. The CMC content in daily chemical products is usually low. After multiple clinical trials, CMC will not cause significant irritation to the skin or oral cavity, so it is suitable for all kinds of people.

The wide application of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in daily chemical products proves its excellent performance and versatility. As a safe, efficient and sustainable thickener, suspending agent and lubricant, CMC plays an important role in a variety of daily chemical products such as skin care products, toothpaste, detergents, etc. It can not only improve the product experience, but also enhance the stability and effect of the product. In addition, CMC’s environmental friendliness and biodegradability make it meet the modern society’s demand for environmentally friendly raw materials. Therefore, as consumers’ demand for high-quality, safe, and environmentally friendly products increases, the application prospects of CMC in the daily chemical industry will be broader.