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Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)

  • Polymers
  • CAS 9004-32-4
  • IUPAC: Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (CAS 9004-32-4) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Essentially non-toxic. Not classified as a hazardous substance under GHS. Widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products. No significant skin, eye, or inhalation hazard at concentrations found in cleaning product formulations.

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble cellulose derivative used as a thickener, stabilizer, and suspending agent in cleaning formulations. In carpet and extractor solutions it helps keep the formula homogeneous and may aid soil suspension during extraction. No significant health or environmental hazard at typical use concentrations.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Cellulosic thickener and stabilizer — suspends particles, improves solution viscosity

Common questions about Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)

What is Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) used for in car care?
Cellulosic thickener and stabilizer — suspends particles, improves solution viscosity
Is Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) a VOC?
No. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) biodegradable?
Yes. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.