The Global Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Market was valued at USD 53.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 86.5 million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This growth is being driven by increasing consumer demand for premium cosmetics and personal care products, rising awareness of skincare routines in emerging economies, and the accelerating adoption of natural-based thickeners and rheology modifiers across skincare, body care, and emulsion stabilization sectors.

As the personal care industry transforms toward sustainable and multifunctional formulations, the spotlight is on the key suppliers who are driving innovation, efficacy, and cleaner ingredient pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Global Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Market—a mix of chemical giants, specialty ingredient firms, and bio-based pioneers shaping the future of cosmetic and personal care ingredients.

---

🔟 1. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Natrosol Plus, modified cellulose ethers for rheology control in cosmetics

Ashland is a leading provider of specialty chemicals, with a strong focus on cellulose derivatives like cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose for personal care applications. Their products enhance viscosity and stability in formulations such as lotions, creams, and shampoos, serving major global brands in the cosmetics sector. The company invests heavily in R&D to develop high-performance, sustainable thickeners that meet the demands of clean beauty trends.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based cellulose derivatives from renewable sources

• Partnerships with cosmetic brands for eco-friendly formulation solutions

• Commitment to carbon-neutral production processes by 2030

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

9️⃣ 2. Croda International Plc

Headquarters: Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Crodamol, hydroxyethylcellulose variants for emulsion stabilization

Croda is a global leader in natural and sustainable specialty ingredients, supplying cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose for use in skincare and body care products. Operating in over 40 countries, the company supports formulators in creating stable, sensory-pleasing emulsions for creams and conditioners. Their emphasis on innovation has positioned them as a preferred partner for brands seeking multifunctional polymers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expansion of RSPO-certified sustainable palm derivatives in cellulose production

• Collaboration with regulators to promote biodegradable cosmetic thickeners

---

8️⃣ 3. Lotte Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Key Offering: Hydroxyethylcellulose polymers for thickening in personal care

Lotte Fine Chemical is a key Asian player in fine chemicals, offering cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose tailored for the booming cosmetics market in Asia-Pacific. Their products are integral to high-viscosity formulations in shampoos and lotions, with a focus on Asia’s demand for premium, lightweight textures. The company leverages advanced manufacturing to ensure high purity and consistency.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in green chemistry for low-impact cellulose modification

• Supply chain partnerships for sustainable sourcing of raw materials

---

7️⃣ 4. Sederma (Croda Beauty Actives)

Headquarters: Le Perray-en-Yvelines, France
Key Offering: Active delivery systems with cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose for anti-aging

Sederma, a Croda company, specializes in active cosmetic ingredients, incorporating cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose to stabilize and enhance delivery in serums and moisturizers. Serving the European beauty market, they focus on science-backed formulations that improve skin conditioning and moisture retention. Their R&D efforts target hypoallergenic and natural-compatible products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Goal of 100% bio-based ingredients in key product lines by 2030

• Europe’s first certified sustainable cellulose plant for cosmetics

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

6️⃣ 5. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Rheovis, cellulose ether thickeners for body care

BASF is a multinational chemical powerhouse, providing cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose for industrial and cosmetic uses worldwide. Their personal care unit supplies to over 500 brands, emphasizing emulsion stability in global formulations. They advance technologies for natural-derived rheology modifiers to support sustainable beauty.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Offers certified natural thickeners at major production sites

• Targets net-zero emissions in chemical manufacturing by 2050

---

5️⃣ 6. Dow Inc.

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Cellosize, hydroxyethylcellulose for skin conditioning

Dow is a leading materials science company, supplying cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose for high-performance personal care products. Their ingredients are used in conditioners and gels across North America and beyond, with a focus on enhancing texture without irritation. Dow’s innovation pipeline includes sustainable polymer alternatives.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Current output of over 50,000 tons/year of eco-friendly cellulose derivatives

• Target: Double sustainable ingredient production by 2027

---

4️⃣ 7. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Sumiflow, modified cellulose for emulsion applications

Sumitomo Chemical serves the Asian cosmetics market with cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, focusing on stable formulations for hair and body care. As Japan’s top supplier in this niche, they support regional brands with customized viscosity solutions, playing a crucial role in Japan’s advanced beauty sector.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Limited but growing involvement in bio-cellulose R&D

• Local innovation programs for synthetic-free thickeners

---

3️⃣ 8. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Celluloses for thickening in skincare products

Shin-Etsu is a pioneer in cellulose technology, supplying cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose to over 200 cosmetic manufacturers in Asia. Their products excel in improving sensory properties in creams and lotions, with successful testing in both consumer and professional formulations.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Indigenous research into plant-based cellulose ethers

• Collaborations to scale sustainable production

---

2️⃣ 9. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
Key Offering: Aristoflex, hydroxyethylcellulose blends for personal care

Clariant is a specialty chemicals leader, with cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose integrated into their portfolio for global distribution. Their facility expansions support the transition to renewable thickeners, focusing on clean label cosmetics.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Aims for 1 million tons/year of sustainable chemicals by 2030

• Major expansion in bio-based ingredient supply chains

---

1️⃣ 10. Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Cellulose derivatives for rheology and stabilization in cosmetics

Sumitomo Seika specializes in functional materials, providing cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose logistics and formulation support to over 1,000 global clients. They lead in distribution and custom blending for sustainable personal care, including carbon footprint reduction services.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• End-to-end solutions for eco-friendly cosmetic ingredients

• Strategic partnerships with producers and beauty brands

Read Full Report: Global Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

🌍 Outlook: The Future of Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Is Sustainable and Multifunctional

The cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose market is undergoing a dynamic shift. While traditional synthetic thickeners still hold share, the industry is investing in bio-based alternatives, advanced formulation technologies, and sustainable supply chains.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rapid expansion of natural ingredient capacity in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific

• Regulatory mandates for 10-20% bio-based content in cosmetics by 2030

• Digitalization of ingredient tracking and sustainability certifications

• Brand-supplier alliances for green chemistry innovations

Read Full Report: Global Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only enhancing global personal care—they’re spearheading the natural transition of cosmetic formulations.

About 24chemicalresearch

24chemicalresearch is a leading name in market research, offering insightful reports on diverse industries. Our comprehensive analyses empower businesses with actionable intelligence to navigate complex markets effectively.