E461

Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents.
Methyl Cellulose is prepared from cellulose, the main polysaccharide and constituent of wood and all plant structures. Commercially prepared from wood and chemically methylated.

Many different uses, mainly as thickening agent, but also as filler, dietary fibre, anti clumping agent and emulsfier. Methyl cellulose is often added to hair shampoos, tooth pastes and liquid soaps, to generate their characteristic thick consistency. This is also done for foods, for example ice cream or croquette. Methyl cellulose is also an important emulsifier, preventing the separation of two mixed liquids.

Found in sterilised, pasteurised and UHT cream, low-calorie cream and pasteurised low-fat cream, laxatives, sun creams and amongst other things, wallpaper paste.

Methyl cellulose is used as a variable viscosity personal lubricant; it is the main ingredient in K-Y Jelly.

May cause asthma, intestinal blockage, itching, skin rash and swallowing difficulty.