Hydroxyethyl Cellulose* Toothpaste

In the toothpaste production process, hydroxyethyl cellulose, as a water-soluble polymer, plays an important role in toothpaste.

1. Thickening effect

Toothpaste needs to have an appropriate consistency so that it can be squeezed out of the toothpaste tube and can maintain a certain shape on the toothbrush. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a very effective thickener. It can increase the viscosity of toothpaste and prevent the toothpaste from being too thin.

The thickened toothpaste can also make the various ingredients in the toothpaste, such as abrasives (calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide, etc.), humectants (glycerin, sorbitol, etc.), fragrances and drug ingredients, mix better together. If the toothpaste does not have an appropriate consistency, these ingredients may be stratified, affecting the quality and use of the toothpaste.

2. Dispersion and stabilization effect

In toothpaste, there are many ingredients with different properties, such as insoluble abrasive particles. Hydroxyethyl cellulose can help these particles disperse evenly in the toothpaste system. It wraps solid ingredients such as abrasive particles to prevent them from agglomerating and precipitating.

3. Moisturizing effect

During brushing, the oral environment will be affected by toothpaste. Hydroxyethyl cellulose can form a thin moisturizing film on the surface of the oral mucosa. This film helps prevent certain ingredients in toothpaste (such as surfactants and other ingredients that may cause dry oral mucosa) from excessively absorbing moisture in the mouth, thereby reducing the dryness of the mouth after brushing. Moreover, this moisturizing film can also help to maintain the moist state of the oral mucosa to a certain extent and improve the comfort of the mouth.

4. Improve taste and use experience

HEC can make toothpaste have better rheological properties. When brushing teeth, the toothpaste can better contact with the teeth and oral mucosa in the mouth. The texture of the toothpaste will be more delicate and smooth, and it will not give people a rough or overly sticky feeling. The taste is more comfortable, which helps to improve the user's brushing experience.