What is cellulose commonly used as an ingredient in detergent and daily chemical products, and what is its function? ​

In the washing of daily chemical products,celluloseMainly cellulose ether derivatives, such as carboxymethyl cellulose sodium CMC, hydroxyethyl cellulose HEC, methyl cellulose MC, etc., are often used as functional excipients due to their water solubility, thickening, and adsorption properties. Their core functions are focused on improving product texture, enhancing stain removal efficiency, and protecting substrates. The specific applications and functions are as follows:

1、 Thickener: Adjust product viscosity and optimize user experience

Applicable products: liquid or semi-solid products such as laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Mechanism of action:

Cellulose ether molecular chains stretch in water, forming a three-dimensional network structure through intermolecular winding and hydrogen bonding, increasing the viscosity of the system, and changing the product from "thin liquid" to "viscous lotion" or "gel".

Specific functions:

Prevent product delamination and settling (such as surface active agents and additives in laundry detergent that disperse stably due to thickening);

Control the fluidity during use (such as preventing splashing when pouring shampoo and ensuring stable extrusion of toothpaste);

Enhance the "thickness" when applying, allowing consumers to perceive a higher concentration of the product (such as when the viscosity of dishwashing detergent is high, users will feel that the cleaning power is stronger).

2、 Anti redeposition agent: prevents secondary adhesion of stains and enhances stain removal effect

Applicable products: laundry detergent, laundry detergent, soap and other fabric detergents.

Mechanism of action:

celluloseDerivatives (especially CMC) carry negative charges and can adsorb onto the surface of clothing fibers and washed stain particles, forming a "charge barrier":

The fiber surface is negatively charged due to the adsorption of CMC, and stain particles (usually also negatively charged) are repelled by the same charge and cannot reattach to clothing;

At the same time, the molecular chains of CMC can encapsulate stain particles, forming a stable colloidal solution that can be discharged with the washing wastewater.

Specific functions:

Avoid clothes turning gray or yellow after washing (such as cotton fabrics that have been washed multiple times. If there is no anti redeposition agent, oil stains and pigments will re deposit on the fibers);

Enhance the stain removal synergy of surfactants (surfactants are responsible for removing stains, while CMC is responsible for preventing rebound).

3、 Stabilizers: Enhance product stability and extend shelf life

Applicable products: Enzyme containing laundry detergent, bleaching agents, sunscreen shower gel and other products that are easily affected by the environment.

Mechanism of action:

The molecular chains of cellulose ether can encapsulate sensitive components such as proteases, bleaching agents, and sunscreens, forming a "protective layer":

Reduce the contact between enzymes and metal ions (such as calcium and magnesium ions in water) to prevent enzyme inactivation (such as enzyme added laundry detergent containing cellulose, which can extend the enzyme activity storage time by more than 30%);

Reduce the decomposition rate of bleaching agents (such as peroxides) to avoid product failure or odor during storage;

Stabilize the lotion system (such as the oil phase composition in shower gel) to prevent layering at low temperature or thinning at high temperature.

4、 Adsorbent: auxiliary cleaning, protecting skin/hair

Applicable products: scrub, exfoliating facial cleanser, toothpaste, etc.

Mechanism of action:

Partial modificationcellulose(such as microcrystalline cellulose MCC, a cellulose hydrolysis product) is in the form of small particles with mild adsorption and friction properties:

In exfoliating cream, microcrystalline cellulose particles can adsorb oil and dead skin on the skin surface, while removing keratin through slight friction (gentler than plastic exfoliating particles and biodegradable);

In toothpaste, microcrystalline cellulose can adsorb food residues and bacteria in the oral cavity, and when combined with friction agents (such as calcium carbonate), enhance cleaning effectiveness while reducing wear on dental enamel.

5、 Moisturizing agent: improves the mildness of the product to the skin

Applicable products: facial cleanser, shower gel, hand cream, etc.

Mechanism of action:

The hydroxyl groups (- OH) on cellulose molecular chains can bind with water molecules to form a "hydration film" on the skin surface, reducing excessive loss of skin moisture during washing.

Specific functions:

Relieve the degreasing effect of surfactants (such as soap) on the skin, avoiding skin tightness and dryness after washing (such as shower gel containing hydroxyethyl cellulose, which is more friendly to dry skin);

Enhance the "moisturizing feeling" of products, especially widely used in skincare products during autumn and winter seasons.

summary

Cellulose is a multifunctional auxiliary material in washing and daily chemical products, with core values reflected in: stabilizing product form through thickening, enhancing stain removal effect through anti redeposition, and improving user experience through adsorption and moisturizing. Different types of cellulose derivatives (such as CMC focusing on anti redeposition, HEC focusing on thickening, MCC focusing on friction cleaning) can be selected according to product requirements (such as laundry detergent requiring anti redeposition, toothpaste requiring thickening+gentle friction), which not only reduces production costs but also improves the practicality and environmental friendliness of the product (compared to synthetic polymer excipients, cellulose is more biodegradable).