Hydroxyethyl Cellulose * Disinfectant Gel

1. Thickening effect

Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a highly efficient thickener. In disinfectant gel, it can increase the viscosity of the system. Gel-like disinfectants are easier to adhere to the surface of objects or the skin than liquid disinfectants.

When we apply the gel on our hands, its higher viscosity prevents it from flowing away as quickly as liquid, thus ensuring that the disinfectant has enough time to contact with microorganisms and exert its disinfecting effect.

HEC can evenly disperse the active ingredients in the disinfectant in the gel system. Without a thickener, some disinfectant ingredients may precipitate due to gravity, resulting in unstable product quality. The thickening effect of HEC can effectively prevent this from happening, ensuring that the disinfectant ingredients are evenly distributed in the gel, so that each part of the gel has the same disinfecting effect.

2. Stability enhancement effect

It helps maintain the physical stability of the gel. During storage and use, the disinfectant gel may be affected by factors such as temperature changes and mechanical shear forces. Hydroxyethyl cellulose can enhance the stability of the gel by forming a three-dimensional network structure. For example, in a high temperature environment, the gel may soften or even liquefy, while HEC can resist this change to a certain extent and maintain the shape and performance of the gel.

It is also helpful for chemical stability. It can reduce the chemical reactions that may occur between disinfectant ingredients and other additives or packaging materials. Some disinfectant ingredients are highly oxidizing or corrosive. HEC can act as a barrier to reduce the impact of these ingredients on other ingredients in the gel system and extend the shelf life of the product.

3. Improve the use experience

Make the gel have good rheological properties. When we squeeze or apply the disinfectant gel, hydroxyethyl cellulose can make the gel show appropriate fluidity and elasticity. This rheological property allows users to easily control the amount of gel and feel comfortable and smooth during the application process.

It can improve the moisturizing property of the gel. After using the disinfectant gel, it can prevent the skin on the hands from drying out excessively. This is because HEC can form a moisturizing film on the skin surface, reducing the deprivation of skin moisture by disinfectant ingredients, thereby improving the user experience.