Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a gelling and thickening agent derived from cellulose. It is used in cosmetics, food products, household care, and also construction products.

With a small amount added to the cement mixtures, it can improve the flow and condensation characteristics of cement mortar, so it is widely used in the field of building materials.

Besides beneficial water retention and thickening effects, hydroxyethyl cellulose also has positive effects on other properties of the cement mortar, such as retarding, air entraining, increasing bonding strength.