Hydroxyethylcellulose

Helps oil and water mix.

What it is

Cellulose, the fiber found in plant cell walls, modified in a lab so it dissolves in water.

Thickens the formula and helps keep its oil and water parts evenly mixed.

A short summary from the dictionary, not yet an in-depth article. About these entries

Helps oil and water mixOfficial EU function: Emulsion stabilising

Gives the textureOfficial EU function: Viscosity controlling

Forms a light filmOfficial EU function: Film forming

Shields the formula from lightOfficial EU function: Light stabilizer