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Hydroxypropyl cellulose

Hydroxypropyl cellulose suppliers and sourcing guide

Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a cellulose ether made by reacting alkali-treated wood pulp or cotton cellulose with propylene oxide. Standard HPC dissolves in cold water and in polar organic solvents and forms flexible films, while low-substituted HPC (L-HPC) swells but does not dissolve. Brands buy it as a white powder in viscosity grades for tablet binding and film coating, whipped toppings, and as a thickener or stabilizer in foods.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
HPC · E463 · Cellulose 2-hydroxypropyl ether · Low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC)
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of hydroxypropyl cellulose

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

  • Standard HPC viscosity grades

    Grades defined by the viscosity of a 2% or other stated solution, from low to high, for binding, film forming or thickening.

  • Low-substituted HPC (L-HPC)

    Lower hydroxypropoxy content; insoluble but swelling, used as a tablet binder and disintegrant.

  • Fine particle grades

    Milled grades for direct compression and dry blending.

  • USP-NF or Ph. Eur. grades

    Pharmaceutical grades tested to compendial monographs, often used for supplement tablets.

What to check on the COA

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

Hydroxypropoxy content
Substitution by gas chromatography after cleavage with hydriodic acid, which defines standard versus low-substituted grades.
Viscosity
Viscosity of a stated aqueous solution at 25 C by rotational viscometer, matched to the grade.
Loss on drying and residue on ignition
Moisture and ash results.
pH
pH of a 1% solution.
Heavy metals
Lead, and often arsenic, cadmium and mercury, by ICP-MS or AAS against the supplier's specification or Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) limits.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, and absence of E. coli and Salmonella.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store HPC in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place, since the powder is hygroscopic. Avoid temperature swings that cause condensation inside bags. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually as a retest date, with retest of viscosity and moisture.

Lots and expiry dates

Viscosity can vary within a grade's range from lot to lot and affects tablet hardness, coating and thickening, so record it from each COA. Note particle size grade for direct compression use.

Regulatory status

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

  • 21 CFR 172.870 permits hydroxypropyl cellulose in food as an emulsifier, film former, protective colloid, stabilizer, suspending agent or thickener, and as a binder in dietary supplements.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 172.870 also permits low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose as a binder and disintegrator in vitamin and mineral supplement tablets or wafers.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes hydroxypropyl cellulose for unstandardized foods.

    Source: canada.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.

Hydroxypropyl cellulose suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking hydroxypropyl cellulose 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.

Sell hydroxypropyl cellulose? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of hydroxypropyl cellulose can brands buy?

Common forms include standard HPC viscosity grades, low-substituted HPC (L-HPC), fine particle grades and uSP-NF or Ph. Eur. grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for hydroxypropyl cellulose include?

Expect hydroxypropoxy content, viscosity, loss on drying and residue on ignition, pH, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should hydroxypropyl cellulose be stored?

Store HPC in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place, since the powder is hygroscopic. Avoid temperature swings that cause condensation inside bags. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually as a retest date, with retest of viscosity and moisture.

What is the regulatory status of hydroxypropyl cellulose?

21 CFR 172.870 permits hydroxypropyl cellulose in food as an emulsifier, film former, protective colloid, stabilizer, suspending agent or thickener, and as a binder in dietary supplements. 21 CFR 172.870 also permits low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose as a binder and disintegrator in vitamin and mineral supplement tablets or wafers. Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes hydroxypropyl cellulose for unstandardized foods.

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