What is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose found in?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is categorized as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS), confirming its safety for widespread use in consumer products. This versatile, semi-synthetic polymer is found in an astonishingly wide array of products across the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and construction industries.

Quick Summary

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a versatile polymer used as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer. It is found in pharmaceuticals like capsules and eye drops, food items such as baked goods and dressings, cosmetic products including lotions and shampoos, and construction materials like tile adhesives and mortars.

Key Points

Broad Application: HPMC is a multi-functional polymer found in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and construction materials due to its versatile properties.
Pharmaceutical Uses: It acts as a binder, film-coating agent, and controlled-release matrix in tablets, and is used to make vegan capsule shells and lubricating eye drops.
Food Industry Role: In food, it is a thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, and gluten substitute in products like sauces, ice cream, and gluten-free baked goods.
Construction Enhancement: HPMC improves the workability, water retention, and adhesion of building materials such as tile adhesives, mortars, and joint fillers.
Cosmetic Formulation: In personal care products, it functions as a thickener and film-former, contributing to the texture of lotions, shampoos, and makeup.
Safety Profile: Approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), HPMC is non-toxic, biodegradable, and derived from natural cellulose.
Vegetarian Alternative: HPMC serves as an effective, plant-based substitute for gelatin, particularly in capsule shells for supplements and medicines.

The Chemical Nature of HPMC

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), also known as hypromellose, is a semi-synthetic polymer derived from natural cellulose. Through a chemical process, natural cellulose is modified to become water-soluble, odorless, and tasteless. Its specific properties like viscosity and gelation temperature can be customized, making it highly adaptable. HPMC serves multiple functions, including as a thickener, binder, film-former, and water-retention agent.

HPMC in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry

HPMC is a key excipient in medicine due to its safety. Its applications include solid-dose medications, topical, and ophthalmic treatments.

Oral Medications

Capsule Shells: HPMC is a popular vegetarian alternative to gelatin for hard capsules, offering better stability and protection for moisture-sensitive ingredients.
Tablet Coatings: It forms a smooth coating on tablets, protecting the drug, masking taste, and aiding swallowing.
Controlled-Release Matrix: HPMC is used in matrix tablets for controlled drug release. It forms a gel in contact with fluids, regulating how the active ingredient is released.
Binders and Suspending Agents: In liquid medications, HPMC thickens and stabilizes, ensuring even distribution of ingredients. It also acts as a binder in tablet production.

Ophthalmic and Topical Treatments

Eye Drops: HPMC is found in artificial tears to relieve dry eyes. It forms a moisturizing film over the cornea.
Topical Gels and Ointments: HPMC's gelling properties help create topical gels, ensuring medications stay on the skin for better absorption.

HPMC in the Food and Beverage Industry

As a non-toxic dietary fiber, HPMC is a common food additive approved by the FDA and EFSA. It enhances texture, stability, and moisture retention.

Common Food Applications

Baked Goods: HPMC acts as a gluten substitute in gluten-free baking, improving texture and volume. It also retains moisture, extending shelf life.
Sauces, Dressings, and Soups: It thickens and emulsifies, improving consistency and preventing separation.
Frozen Foods: HPMC controls ice crystal formation in frozen desserts, leading to a smoother texture.
Plant-Based Alternatives: Its thickening and gelling properties make it useful in vegan foods to mimic meat or dairy textures.
Low-Calorie Foods: HPMC can be used as a fat replacer.

HPMC in the Construction and Building Materials Industry

In construction, HPMC is an additive that significantly impacts material performance.

Key Building Applications

Tile Adhesives: HPMC improves workability, anti-sag properties, and water retention, extending working time and strengthening the bond.
Mortars and Renders: It enhances workability, adhesion, and crack resistance in mortars. It helps retain water for proper curing and higher strength.
Joint Fillers and Putties: HPMC provides thickening, water retention, and lubricity for easy application and a smooth, crack-resistant finish.
Self-Leveling Compounds: HPMC controls viscosity and flow, ensuring a smooth, level surface.

HPMC in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

HPMC's non-toxic and skin-friendly properties make it a staple in cosmetics. It is used for thickening, film-forming, and stabilizing.

Common Cosmetic Applications

Lotions, Creams, and Gels: HPMC increases viscosity for a smooth texture and improves stability.
Shampoos and Conditioners: As a thickener and emulsifier, HPMC creates a richer lather and improves consistency.
Makeup: In products like mascara and foundation, HPMC acts as a film-former and binder for smooth application and long-lasting wear.
Sunscreens: HPMC helps stabilize sunscreen emulsions.

Comparison of HPMC Applications


Industry	Primary Function(s)	Specific Product Examples	Key Property Utilized
Pharmaceutical	Binder, film-former, controlled-release agent	Tablets, capsules, eye drops	Viscosity, film-forming, gelation
Food	Thickener, stabilizer, gluten substitute	Dressings, sauces, gluten-free bread	Viscosity, emulsification, water retention
Construction	Water-retaining agent, thickener, binder	Mortars, tile adhesives, putties	Water retention, rheology modification, adhesion
Cosmetics	Thickener, emulsifier, film-former	Lotions, shampoos, mascara	Viscosity, emulsion stability, film-forming

Conclusion: The Ubiquitous Polymer

HPMC is a ubiquitous and essential ingredient with a broad range of applications. Its nature as a white, odorless powder belies its powerful functionality in enhancing the texture, stability, and performance of countless products. From medicines to food and building materials, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose demonstrates the power of chemical modification. Its natural origins and safety record have solidified its role as a trusted ingredient across multiple industries, making it an indispensable part of modern life. As industries seek sustainable and safe solutions, the demand for this versatile polymer is expected to grow. You can find more information on the pharmaceutical uses of HPMC in this detailed review.

Frequently Asked Questions

HPMC is a semi-synthetic polymer derived from natural cellulose, which is found in plants like wood pulp and cotton fibers. It is chemically modified to be water-soluble.

Yes, HPMC has an extensive track record of safe use and is approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA, which designates it as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) for food consumption.

In eye drops, HPMC acts as an ocular lubricant or artificial tear. It forms a lubricating, transparent, and moisturizing film on the cornea to relieve dryness and irritation.

HPMC is used in construction to improve water retention, workability, and adhesion of cement-based products like tile adhesives, mortars, and plasters, which helps to prevent cracking and improve performance.

No, HPMC is not the same as gelatin. HPMC is a plant-derived polymer and a popular vegetarian alternative to gelatin, which is derived from animal parts.

HPMC is found in many food products, including gluten-free baked goods, dressings, sauces, ice cream, and low-fat foods, where it improves texture and stability.

While considered very safe and generally well-tolerated, consuming excessively large amounts of HPMC could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal issues like bloating or gas due to its dietary fiber properties.

HPMC functions as a thickener, film-former, and emulsifier in cosmetics and personal care products like lotions, shampoos, and makeup, improving texture, stability, and product performance.