Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)
CMC, or carboxymethylcellulose, is a water-soluble cellulose derivative hydrocolloid, derived from the alkali treatment of cellulose found in natural plant fiber (wood pulp or cotton). It is often used in its sodium salt form and it is used widely as a thickener and stabilizer. It can also function as a binder and emulsifier, and can be used for its film forming properties. In many systems, it helps to improve texture, reduce phase separation and optimize water retention.
CMC is used across many industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics, paper, textiles, detergents, paints and coatings, oil drilling, adhesives, ceramics, and construction.
Food and beverage: used to improve texture, stabilize emulsions, retain moisture, and extend shelf life in processed foods and drinks.
Pharmaceuticals: used in tablets, controlled-release systems, suspensions, and eye-care products such as artificial tears.
Personal care and cosmetics: used in toothpaste, creams, lotions, shampoos, and skincare products to improve viscosity, stability, and feel.
Paper and textiles: used as a binder, sizing agent, coating aid, and surface modifier.
Industrial applications: used in detergents, water-based paints, oil drilling fluids, ceramics, adhesives, and construction materials.
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) (Cellulose Gum) is listed as GRAS and is approved for use in foods; 21CFR Part 182.1745.
Applications — Food
Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts — Prevents large ice crystal formation in order to provide a smooth texture. Improves body, creaminess, and melt resistance.
Dairy and Non-Dairy Beverages — Provides viscosity and becomes a suspending aid in milk and plant- based drinks. Stabilizes proteins and reduces phase separation.
Sauces, Dressings and Condiments — Builds uniform thickness in sauces and dressings. Keeps spices and particulates evenly dispersed.
Bakery — Improves dough handling and gas retention. Enhances moisture retention and shelf-life in baked goods.
Instant Noodles and Reconstituted Foods — Increases cooking stability and improves bite. Helps control starch swelling and surface smoothness.
Applications — Pharmaceuticals/Cosmetics/Personal Care/Industrial
Pharmaceutical/Nutraceutical — Optimizes and provides proper viscosity for suspensions. Used in tablets and controlled-release systems.
Cosmetics and Personal Care — Improves the viscosity, stability and feel in cosmetic creams, lotions and personal skin care products.
Oil Drilling Fluids — Improves rheology and helps carry drill cuttings. Acts to adjust viscosity and controls fluid loss in water-based muds.
Paper and Textile Processing — Acts as a binder and print thickener and provides surface sizing. Improves strength, printability and dye uniformity.
