Microcrystalline cellulose

Microcrystalline cellulose suppliers and sourcing guide

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is purified, partly depolymerized cellulose made from wood pulp or other plant fiber. The pulp is treated with dilute mineral acid to dissolve the less ordered regions of the cellulose, leaving crystalline fragments that are washed, neutralized and spray dried to a white, free-flowing powder. It is the most common direct-compression filler-binder for tablets and capsules, and a colloidal grade blended with carboxymethylcellulose is used as a food stabilizer.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Starches, carriers and excipients
Also known as: MCC · Cellulose gel · Cellulose, microcrystalline · E460(i)
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of microcrystalline cellulose

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

Standard powder grades
Grades such as PH-101 and PH-102 types, differing mainly in particle size; finer grades for wet granulation, coarser for direct compression.
Low-moisture and high-density grades
Grades for moisture-sensitive actives or heavier capsule fills.
Silicified MCC
MCC co-processed with colloidal silicon dioxide for better flow and compaction.
Colloidal MCC
MCC co-processed with sodium carboxymethylcellulose, used as a suspending and stabilizing agent in beverages and sauces.

What to check on the COA

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

Identity: Infrared and color-reaction identity per the USP-NF or Ph. Eur. monograph.
Degree of polymerization: By viscosity in cupriethylenediamine, confirming the material falls in the MCC range.
Loss on drying: Moisture against the grade limit, typically up to about 5% for standard grades.
Particle size and bulk density: Sieve or laser diffraction particle size and bulk density, which define the grade.
pH, conductivity and water-soluble substances: Checks for residual acid and salts from manufacture.
Microbiology: Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, and absence of E. coli, Salmonella, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus as in the monograph.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in closed containers in a dry place at room temperature; MCC is stable but absorbs moisture in humid air, which affects tablet hardness. It is a fine combustible dust, so use dust control in bulk handling. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier, with loss on drying and micro retested.

Lots and expiry dates

Particle size, bulk density and moisture vary by lot within a grade, and they affect flow, fill weight and tablet hardness. Record those values per lot and keep the same grade and supplier for validated formulas.

Regulatory status

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

FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists microcrystalline cellulose (also called cellulose gel) with technical effects including anticaking or free-flow agent, formulation aid and stabilizer or thickener.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
7 CFR 205.605 allows cellulose for limited uses in organic products but states that microcrystalline cellulose is prohibited.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
Health Canada's List of Permitted Anticaking Agents allows microcrystalline cellulose as an anticaking agent in listed foods, such as cheddar cheese curd.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists microcrystalline cellulose with non-medicinal purposes including binder, diluent, direct compression excipient, disintegrant and filler.
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.

Microcrystalline cellulose suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking microcrystalline 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 microcrystalline cellulose? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of microcrystalline cellulose can brands buy?

Common forms include standard powder grades, low-moisture and high-density grades, silicified MCC and colloidal MCC. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for microcrystalline cellulose include?

Expect identity, degree of polymerization, loss on drying, particle size and bulk density, pH, conductivity and water-soluble substances and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should microcrystalline cellulose be stored?

What is the regulatory status of microcrystalline cellulose?

FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists microcrystalline cellulose (also called cellulose gel) with technical effects including anticaking or free-flow agent, formulation aid and stabilizer or thickener. 7 CFR 205.605 allows cellulose for limited uses in organic products but states that microcrystalline cellulose is prohibited. Health Canada's List of Permitted Anticaking Agents allows microcrystalline cellulose as an anticaking agent in listed foods, such as cheddar cheese curd. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists microcrystalline cellulose with non-medicinal purposes including binder, diluent, direct compression excipient, disintegrant and filler.

More starches, carriers and excipients

All 37 starches, carriers and excipients

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing