Film-Forming Agent

Nitrocellulose

Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026

Nitrocellulose functions as a film-forming agent in cosmetics

What Is Nitrocellulose?

Nitrocellulose is a cosmetic ingredient. It is grouped in the Exfoliants category on this site.

There is limited independent published research on its topical use, so this entry describes what the ingredient is rather than making specific performance claims.

How widely it's used

0.5%
of skincare products contain this ingredient — placing it in the top 25% of most-used ingredients.
Most common in: Masks

Regulatory information

Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.

Show identifiers
INCI Name
NITROCELLULOSE
INN Name
pyroxylin
EC Number
-
Function
Film Forming

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