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Hypromellose (HPMC)

Hypromellose (HPMC) suppliers and sourcing guide

Hypromellose (HPMC) is a cellulose ether made from purified wood pulp or cotton cellulose. The cellulose is treated with sodium hydroxide, reacted with methyl chloride and propylene oxide, then washed with hot water and dried and milled to a white powder. Grades differ in methoxy and hydroxypropoxy substitution and in viscosity. Brands buy it to make vegetarian capsule shells, tablet film coatings, controlled-release matrices and as a food thickener and stabilizer.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose · HPMC · Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl methyl ether · E464
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of hypromellose (hpmc)

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

  • Capsule grades

    HPMC tailored for two-piece vegetarian capsules, sometimes with a gelling aid such as gellan.

  • Coating grades

    Low-viscosity grades (for example 3 to 15 mPa·s) used in tablet film coatings.

  • Controlled-release grades

    High-viscosity grades used as hydrophilic matrices in extended-release tablets.

  • Substitution types

    Pharmacopeial substitution types such as 2208, 2906 and 2910, which differ in methoxy and hydroxypropoxy content.

  • Food grades

    Grades used as thickeners, emulsifiers and film formers in foods.

What to check on the COA

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

Identity
Infrared identity and thermal gelation behavior per the USP-NF or Ph. Eur. monograph.
Methoxy and hydroxypropoxy content
By gas chromatography after cleavage, which sets the substitution type.
Viscosity
Apparent viscosity of a 2% solution by rotational or capillary viscometer, reported against the nominal grade.
Loss on drying and residue on ignition
Moisture and inorganic residue against the monograph.
pH and heavy metals
pH of a solution and metals by ICP-MS.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, and absence of E. coli.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in closed containers in a cool, dry place. HPMC is fairly stable but absorbs moisture, and damp powder clumps and dissolves unevenly. Fine powder is a combustible dust, so handle with dust control. The supplier sets shelf life or retest date, with viscosity and loss on drying rechecked.

Lots and expiry dates

Viscosity and substitution vary within each grade's range by lot, which can change coating behavior, capsule properties or release rate. Record viscosity and substitution per lot and confirm performance when changing lots for controlled-release products.

Regulatory status

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

  • 21 CFR 172.874 permits hydroxypropyl methylcellulose complying with the National Formulary as a food additive used as an emulsifier, film former, protective colloid, stabilizer, suspending agent or thickener.

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

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists hypromellose with allowed oral non-medicinal purposes that include coating agent, encapsulating agent, film former, binder and thickening agent.

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

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents allows hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in listed foods, for example as an emulsifying agent in French dressing and salad dressing.

    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.

Hypromellose (HPMC) suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking hypromellose (hpmc) 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 hypromellose (hpmc) can brands buy?

Common forms include capsule grades, coating grades, controlled-release grades, substitution types and food grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for hypromellose (hpmc) include?

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

How should hypromellose (hpmc) be stored?

Store in closed containers in a cool, dry place. HPMC is fairly stable but absorbs moisture, and damp powder clumps and dissolves unevenly. Fine powder is a combustible dust, so handle with dust control. The supplier sets shelf life or retest date, with viscosity and loss on drying rechecked.

What is the regulatory status of hypromellose (hpmc)?

21 CFR 172.874 permits hydroxypropyl methylcellulose complying with the National Formulary as a food additive used as an emulsifier, film former, protective colloid, stabilizer, suspending agent or thickener. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists hypromellose with allowed oral non-medicinal purposes that include coating agent, encapsulating agent, film former, binder and thickening agent. Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents allows hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in listed foods, for example as an emulsifying agent in French dressing and salad dressing.

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