Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a nonionic, water-soluble polymer. It is a white, free-flowing granular powder and is made by reacting ethylene oxide with alkali-cellulose. HEC has uses in the cosmetics and personal care industries as a gelling and thickening agent. In pharmaceuticals, cellulose has been used as an adsorbent, glidant, drug solvent, and suspending agent. It is one of the main components of the personal lubricant brand known as K-Y Jelly. It can also be found in household cleaning products.

HEC has several benefits in hair care and personal care products which are as follows:

1. It serves as an exceptional thickening agent which improves the appearance and texture of the hair care products by changing the viscosity of the products.

2. Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is very unique among other natural polymers in creating clear gels and serums with improved cleansing properties in hair care formulations.

3. Its addition enhances the foaming property of the surfactant, thereby reducing the quantity used in conditions and shampoo.

4.  It helps to increase the useful life of the product.

5. It enhances the firmness of the hair care products.

6. Though HEC increases the viscosity of the product, it forms a thin protective coating over the hair strand by spreading easily.

7. This ingredient in a hair care product gives a perfect grip on your hair making it smooth and soft without being flaky.

8. It is considered a perfect polymer gum because it is water-soluble and gets hydrated within a short time with moderate stirring.

9. It provides viscosity control in the hair care product by thickening or thinning of the product based on the desired consistency required.

Hydroxyethylcellulose is used largely in hair creams hair spray, shampoo, hair styling gel, and others because of these numerous benefits.