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Cellulose gum (CMC)

Cellulose gum (CMC) suppliers and sourcing guide

Cellulose gum is sodium carboxymethylcellulose, made by treating cellulose from wood pulp or cotton linters with sodium hydroxide and monochloroacetic acid. The product is washed to remove salts, dried and milled. Grades differ by degree of substitution and viscosity, and it is used to thicken drinks, stabilize ice cream and bind tablets.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
sodium carboxymethylcellulose · carboxymethylcellulose · CMC · E466 · carmellose sodium
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of cellulose gum (cmc)

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

  • Viscosity grades

    Low, medium and high viscosity grades set by chain length.

  • Degree of substitution grades

    Higher substitution gives better salt and acid tolerance and smoother solutions.

  • Food (FCC) grade

    High-purity grade with low residual salts for food use.

  • Pharmaceutical grade (carmellose sodium)

    Made to USP-NF or Ph. Eur. for tablets, suspensions and topicals.

What to check on the COA

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

Assay (purity)
Sodium carboxymethylcellulose content on a dry basis, net of sodium chloride and glycolate.
Degree of substitution
By titration or ashing per the FCC or USP method.
Viscosity
Brookfield viscosity of a 1% or 2% solution at 25 °C.
Loss on drying, pH and sodium
Moisture, solution pH and sodium content.
Heavy metals and microbiology
Lead by ICP-MS; total plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli and Salmonella.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store CMC sealed in a cool, dry place; it is hygroscopic and cakes when exposed to humid air. Avoid storage near heat, which can lower viscosity over time. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually a retest date.

Lots and expiry dates

Viscosity can vary within a grade's range, so record it per lot and check finished viscosity when lots change. Keep the degree of substitution consistent if your product contains acid or salt.

Regulatory status

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

  • 21 CFR 182.1745 lists sodium carboxymethylcellulose as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, with a maximum substitution of 0.95 carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit.

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

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

    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.

Cellulose gum (CMC) suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking cellulose gum (cmc) 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 cellulose gum (cmc) can brands buy?

Common forms include viscosity grades, degree of substitution grades, food (FCC) grade and pharmaceutical grade (carmellose sodium). Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for cellulose gum (cmc) include?

Expect assay (purity), degree of substitution, viscosity, loss on drying, pH and sodium and heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should cellulose gum (cmc) be stored?

Store CMC sealed in a cool, dry place; it is hygroscopic and cakes when exposed to humid air. Avoid storage near heat, which can lower viscosity over time. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually a retest date.

What is the regulatory status of cellulose gum (cmc)?

21 CFR 182.1745 lists sodium carboxymethylcellulose as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, with a maximum substitution of 0.95 carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit. Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

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