Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC) is used for its thickening and swelling properties in a wide range of complex formulated products for pharmaceutical, food, home, and personal care applications, as well as in paper, water treatment, and mineral processing industries. When used in cosmetics, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose stops lotions and creams from separating and controls the thickness and texture of liquids, creams and gels.