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.