Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Hpmc) in Cleaning Products

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether extracted from natural plant cellulose and chemically modified. It has good thickening, emulsification, dispersion, film-forming, moisturizing and stabilizing properties. In cleaning products, HPMC is widely used as a functional additive, especially in hand sanitizers, dishwashing liquids, toilet cleaners, multi-functional cleaners and other products, playing a key physical and chemical role.

Basic performance advantages of HPMC

1.1. High transparency and stability

HPMC has good solubility in water and can form a clear and transparent colloidal solution, which is suitable for transparent or translucent cleaning products. Its solution has good stability, salt resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and adapts to a variety of formula systems, ensuring that the product is not easy to stratify or precipitate during storage.

1.2. Excellent thickening and rheological adjustment properties

HPMC can effectively increase the viscosity of the aqueous phase system, so that the cleaning product has ideal fluidity and touch during use. It responds well to shear force and can achieve "pseudoplastic" flow characteristics, that is, it is thicker when standing and becomes thinner when squeezed, which is easy to use and apply.

1.3. Good film-forming and adhesion

When used, HPMC can form a uniform protective film on the surface of the object, improve the adhesion and action time of the cleaning ingredients, help improve the decontamination efficiency and prolong the action time, and is particularly suitable for products that require adhesion, such as toilet cleaners and tile cleaners.

1.4. Safe and non-toxic, skin-friendly

HPMC is naturally derived, non-toxic and non-irritating after modification, and complies with many international cosmetics and daily chemical regulations and standards. It is widely used in skin contact products, such as hand sanitizers, shower gels, facial cleansers, etc. It has good skin compatibility and does not cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Application of HPMC in major cleaning products

2.1. Hand soap and shower gel

As one of the main thickeners in liquid washing products, HPMC can significantly improve the texture and feel of the product:

Increase the consistency of the product, making it easier to control the dosage;

Give the product a smooth and delicate touch;

Performs stably and has good compatibility under a variety of surfactant systems;

Compatible with moisturizers such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and synergistically moisturizes.

HPMC can also prolong the residence time of the foam, making the cleaning effect more lasting, while enhancing the density and delicate feeling of the foam.

2.2. Kitchen cleaners and dishwashing liquids

In kitchen cleaners, HPMC not only plays a thickening role, but also assists in emulsifying grease and improving the decontamination ability. In dishwashing liquids for hand-washing dishes, it can also reduce the irritation of surfactants to the skin and improve the user experience.

2.3. Toilet cleaners and bathroom cleaners

These products usually require strong adhesion to ensure that the cleaning ingredients can fully act on vertical or uneven surfaces. HPMC, with its good film-forming and adhesion properties, can help the product stay in the target area for a long time, improving the effects of multiple functions such as descaling, deodorization, and sterilization.

2.4. Glass cleaners and multifunctional cleaning sprays

In this type of cleaner, the application of HPMC helps to form a uniform coating layer, reduce water marks and streaks, improve the visual cleaning effect, and also increase the smoothness of the product's spray and the drying speed after spraying.

Advantages of HPMC in the formula

High cost-effectiveness: Compared with other polymer thickeners such as carbomer and xanthan gum, HPMC has a moderate cost and can achieve good viscosity control effects with a small amount;

Flexible use: It can be dissolved in cold or hot water and adapt to different process flows;

Strong compatibility: It is suitable for various surfactant systems such as anions, cations, and non-ions;

Good storage stability: The product is not easy to deteriorate, precipitate, or change in odor during storage.

The status of HPMC in green and environmentally friendly cleaning products

As the concept of environmental protection is deeply rooted in people's hearts, consumers are paying more and more attention to the "natural, safe, and degradable" characteristics of cleaning products. As a biodegradable raw material extracted from plant fibers, HPMC meets the requirements of sustainable development and environmental protection, so it has unique advantages in natural formulas and green certified cleaning products. It not only improves the environmental attributes of the product, but also increases the competitiveness of the product in the market.

HPMC plays a multifaceted role in cleaning products. It not only improves the product experience in terms of physical properties, but also provides reliable guarantees for formula design in terms of chemical stability, safety and environmental protection. With the upgrading of consumption and the development of green technology, HPMC will play an increasingly important role in the field of cleaning products, bringing more innovation possibilities to the industry.