Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

Safe BinderSynthetic

Hydroxypropyl Cellulose is a synthetic binder used in dietary supplements. Safety rating: Safe. It is widely considered safe at typical supplement doses. Found in 20 supplements in the GoodSupp database. A cellulose derivative used as a binder and film former.

20 Products use this
Safe Safety rating
Binder Category
No Natural origin

Safety Verdict: Safe

This ingredient is rated safe for use in dietary supplements.

What is Hydroxypropyl Cellulose?

A cellulose derivative used as a binder and film former.

Common Names Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, HPC
Type Binder
Origin Synthetic / Manufactured
Safety Rating Safe

Why is Hydroxypropyl Cellulose used in supplements?

Binds tablet ingredients and can form tablet coatings.

Role in supplements: Binder — holds tablet ingredients together so they don't crumble.

Should you be concerned about Hydroxypropyl Cellulose?

No. Hydroxypropyl Cellulose is widely regarded as safe for use in dietary supplements at typical levels. It has a long history of use and is accepted by major regulatory bodies.

No action needed. This ingredient is safe at amounts used in supplements.

Top-rated products containing Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

These 20 highest-scoring supplements in our database use Hydroxypropyl Cellulose.

NOW Chewable Vitamin D-3 25 mcg (1000 IU)
NOW Chewable Vitamin D-3 25 mcg (1000 IU)
Product 100 Brand N/A
NOW Methyl B-12, 1,000 mcg
NOW Methyl B-12, 1,000 mcg
Product 100 Brand N/A
NOW Glycine, 1,000 mg, 250 Veg Capsules
NOW Glycine, 1,000 mg, 250 Veg Capsules
Product 100 Brand N/A
Source Naturals MethylCobalamin Vitamin B12 Cherry 1 mg
Source Naturals MethylCobalamin Vitamin B12 Cherry 1 mg
Product 100 Brand N/A
Source Naturals MethylCobalamin, Cherry, 1 mg
Source Naturals MethylCobalamin, Cherry, 1 mg
Product 100 Brand N/A
Source Naturals Tribulus Extract, 750 mg
Source Naturals Tribulus Extract, 750 mg
Product 100 Brand N/A
Natural Factors L-Taurine, 1,000 mg, 100 Vegetarian Capsules
Natural Factors L-Taurine, 1,000 mg, 100 Vegetarian Capsules
Product 100 Brand N/A
Source Naturals Vitamin D-3 Fast Melt, 2000 IU
Source Naturals Vitamin D-3 Fast Melt, 2000 IU
Product 100 Brand N/A
XYMOGEN ProbioMax Oral Berry 60 Chewable Tablets
XYMOGEN ProbioMax Oral Berry 60 Chewable Tablets
Product 100 Brand N/A
XYMOGEN PrebioMax Sour Apple Chewable Tablets
XYMOGEN PrebioMax Sour Apple Chewable Tablets
Product 100 Brand N/A
Life Extension NitroVasc
Life Extension NitroVasc
Product 100 Brand N/A
NutriCology Taurine 1000 mg
NutriCology Taurine 1000 mg
Product 100 Brand N/A
Life Extension NitroVasc with Cordiart
Life Extension NitroVasc with Cordiart
Product 100 Brand N/A
Allergy Research Group Taurine 1000 mg
Allergy Research Group Taurine 1000 mg
Product 100 Brand N/A
Source Naturals Vitamin D-3 Fast Melt 2,000 IU
Source Naturals Vitamin D-3 Fast Melt 2,000 IU
Product 100 Brand N/A
Health Plus Revitalize+
Health Plus Revitalize+
Product 100 Brand N/A
Jamieson Lycopene Tomato Concentrate Caplets
Jamieson Lycopene Tomato Concentrate Caplets
Product 100 Brand N/A
Jamieson Vitamin B2 Riboflavin 100mg Caplets
Jamieson Vitamin B2 Riboflavin 100mg Caplets
Product 100 Brand N/A
Spring Valley Vitamin C 500mg Chewable
Spring Valley Vitamin C 500mg Chewable
Product 100 Brand N/A
Kirkland Signature Vitamin D3 1000 IU Tablets, (2 X 360)
Kirkland Signature Vitamin D3 1000 IU Tablets, (2 X 360)
Product 100 Brand N/A
Related Ingredients
Acacia Generally Safe Acacia Gum Safe Croscarmellose Generally Safe Croscarmellose Sodium Safe Crospovidone Generally Safe Gum Acacia^ Generally Safe Hydrogenated Polyisobutene Generally Safe Hydroxypropylcellulose Generally Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hydroxypropyl Cellulose safe in supplements?

Yes. Hydroxypropyl Cellulose is rated safe for use in dietary supplements at typical levels. This rating is based on regulatory assessments, published safety research, and its long history of use in the supplement industry. It is widely accepted by major regulatory bodies including the FDA and EFSA. In GoodSupp's database, 20 products contain this ingredient. Consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.

What is Hydroxypropyl Cellulose and why is it in my supplement?

A cellulose derivative used as a binder and film former. As a binder, it holds tablet ingredients together so they maintain their shape and don't crumble during handling. It appears in 20 products in the GoodSupp database.

Is Hydroxypropyl Cellulose natural or synthetic?

Hydroxypropyl Cellulose is synthetically produced, meaning it is manufactured through chemical processes rather than directly extracted from natural sources. Synthetic ingredients are extremely common in supplements and are not inherently less safe than natural alternatives. In many cases, synthetic production allows for higher purity and more consistent quality. The FDA regulates both natural and synthetic supplement ingredients under the same safety standards. GoodSupp rates ingredients based on their actual safety data regardless of whether they're natural or synthetic.

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Disclaimer: GoodSupp provides independent supplement quality analysis for informational purposes only. Scores are generated algorithmically based on ingredient profiles, brand certifications, and public records — read our methodology. This is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Product data is sourced from manufacturer labels and public databases. GoodSupp is not affiliated with any supplement brand.