Cellulose gum, a lubricating and humectant component, used in cosmetics, has been used for its effectiveness, together with other components, for the dry mouth disorder, an illness that can be caused by drugs, easy to manage during the day , but problematic at night (1).

This component also known as sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) has been used in endoscopic dissection on animals (2).

Used as a suspension agent to test the stability of food supplements (3) and more.

References________________________

(1) XyliMelts time-release adhering discs for night-time oral dryness.
Burgess J, Lee P.
Int J Dent Hyg. 2012 May

(2) A novel method of endoscopic submucosal dissection with blunt abrasion by submucosal injection of sodium carboxymethylcellulose: an animal preliminary study.
Yamasaki M, Kume K, Yoshikawa I, Otsuki M.
Gastrointest Endosc. 2006 Dec

(3) Stability and osmolality of a nutritional food supplement during simulated nasogastric administration.
Galt LG, Josephson RV.
Am J Hosp Pharm. 1982 Jun

Cellulose Gum or Carboxymethylcellulose is a chemical compound obtained from cellulose.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• "Carboxy" refers to the carboxyl functional group (-COOH) that is introduced into the cellulose molecule. This group gives the molecule anionic or negative properties.
• "Methyl" indicates the introduction of a methyl group (-CH₃) alongside the carboxyl group during derivatization. This group is attached to the carboxyl group, forming the carboxymethyl group.
• "Cellulose" is the natural sugar polymer from which CMC is derived. Cellulose is a polysaccharide made up of glucose units and is found in the cell walls of plants.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Cellulose extracted from plant sources like wood or cotton fibers.
• Monochloroacetic anhydride that provides the carboxymethyl group.

Step-by-step summary of its industrial chemical synthesis process. 

• Cellulose is purified and reduced to a powdery form.
• The powdered cellulose is then treated with an alkaline solution, usually sodium hydroxide, to activate the hydroxyl groups.
• Monochloroacetic anhydride is then added to the mixture, where it reacts with the activated hydroxyl groups of cellulose to form the carboxymethyl group.
• The reaction is controlled to achieve the desired degree of substitution.
• The product is then neutralized, typically with hydrochloric acid.
• The CMC is then purified, filtered, and dried to achieve the desired final form.

It appears as an odourless and tasteless white-grey-yellow powder.

It is a chemical compound obtained from cellulose and it appears as an odourless and tasteless white-grey-yellow powder.

What it is used for and where

Food

In the food industry (1), it is a thickening and stabilising agent, and since the 1980s it has entered the oenological field (2).

Ingredient included in the list of European food additives as E466

Cosmetics

Binder agent. Ingredient that is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.

Emulsion stabilizer. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, molar mass plays an important role.

Film-forming agent. It produces a continuous ultra-thin film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on the skin or hair to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.

Fragrance. It plays a decisive and important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability.  The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

Other uses

In the mining sector it is used as an additive for drilling muds and is widely used in the production of paper, textiles, paints and more.

Cellulose gum studies

• Molecular Formula : C₈H₁₆O₈
• Molecular Weight: 240.208 g/mol
• CAS: 9000-11-7
• EC Number:618-326-2
• FEMA Number: 2239

Synonyms: 

• Carboxymethyl Cellulose
• Cellulose, Carboxymethyl
• Carboxymethylcellulose
• carmellose sodium
• Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium
• Cellolax
• Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium

References________________________________________________________________________

(1) Regolamento (CE) N° 1333/2008 del 16 dicembre 2008 sugli additivi alimentari.

Determination of carboxyméthycellulose in food products - H.D Graham, Journal of food science 1971, p 1052-1055.

(2) Stabilisation tartrique des vins par la carboxyméthylcellulose - Bulletin de l’OIV 2001, vol 74, n°841-842, p151-159.