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Croscarmellose sodium

Croscarmellose sodium suppliers and sourcing guide

Croscarmellose sodium is sodium carboxymethylcellulose that has been internally cross-linked so it swells strongly in water but does not dissolve. It is made from purified cellulose (wood pulp or cotton linters) that is alkalized and reacted with sodium monochloroacetate, then cross-linked under acid conditions, washed and dried to a white, fibrous powder. Brands use it at low levels as a disintegrant in tablets and capsules, so they break apart quickly in water.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose · Crosslinked CMC · Sodium croscarmellose · E468
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of croscarmellose sodium

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Pharmacopeial grade

    Tested to the USP-NF, Ph. Eur. or JP monograph; the standard grade for supplement and drug tablets.

  • Food grade

    Material sold for food and supplement use, tested to the supplier specification or FCC-style limits.

  • Particle size grades

    Standard and finer grades, chosen for blend uniformity and how fast tablets break up.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity
Infrared spectrum and sodium identity, per the monograph.
Degree of substitution
Carboxymethyl substitution by titration, within the monograph range.
Settling volume and water-soluble fraction
Settling volume in water and percentage of water-soluble material, which confirm cross-linking and swelling behavior.
Loss on drying and pH
Moisture and pH of a dispersion against the specification.
Sodium chloride and sodium glycolate
Residual reaction salts by titration or limit tests.
Heavy metals and micro
Metals by ICP-MS and total aerobic count, yeast and mold, and E. coli absence.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place. It is hygroscopic, and moisture uptake before use can weaken its disintegrant action, so reseal opened containers promptly. The supplier sets shelf life or a retest date, with loss on drying and settling volume rechecked on older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Degree of substitution, particle size and settling volume vary within the monograph range by lot and supplier, which can change tablet disintegration time. Record those values and confirm disintegration time when changing suppliers.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists croscarmellose sodium (proper name cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, CAS 74811-65-7) as a non-medicinal ingredient with the purpose of disintegrant.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Croscarmellose sodium suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking croscarmellose sodium suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of croscarmellose sodium can brands buy?

Common forms include pharmacopeial grade, food grade and particle size grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for croscarmellose sodium include?

Expect identity, degree of substitution, settling volume and water-soluble fraction, loss on drying and pH, sodium chloride and sodium glycolate and heavy metals and micro, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should croscarmellose sodium be stored?

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place. It is hygroscopic, and moisture uptake before use can weaken its disintegrant action, so reseal opened containers promptly. The supplier sets shelf life or a retest date, with loss on drying and settling volume rechecked on older stock.

What is the regulatory status of croscarmellose sodium?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists croscarmellose sodium (proper name cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, CAS 74811-65-7) as a non-medicinal ingredient with the purpose of disintegrant.

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