stabiliser INS 468

Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose E468

thickener, emulsifier, disintegrant — Primarily natural (modified).

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose

CAS: 74811-65-7

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is derived from plant materials — its origin is more natural than its E-number might suggest.

Beyond food, Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Although classified as natural in origin, commercial Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is typically manufactured rather than extracted directly from food sources.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Approved for use in specified food categories; less commonly used in foods than regular CMC (E466).

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

More commonly used in pharmaceuticals than foods

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified (considered inert)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical modification

Produced by first creating sodium carboxymethylcellulose (E466), then chemically crosslinking the polymer chains using crosslinking agents. The crosslinks create a three-dimensional network structure that doesn't dissolve in water but swells dramatically. This swelling property makes it excellent for tablet disintegration in pharmaceuticals and for absorbing water in food applications.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Stabilizer and thickener in cosmetics.

Medical

Tablet disintegrant (most common use - helps tablets break apart in the stomach, brand name Ac-Di-Sol).

Industrial

Absorbents, textile processing.

Household

Less common than regular CMC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (E468)?

Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (E468) is a stabiliser used in food products. It is thickener, emulsifier, disintegrant and natural (modified). Crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a semi-synthetic derivative of cellulose. It's created by chemically modifying plant cellulose with carboxymethyl groups, then crosslinking the polymer chains. It's processed wood pulp or cotton that has been extensively chemically modified.

What is the ADI for Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is Not specified (considered inert) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose?

Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is used in various food categories including Dairy products and analogues, Beverages. It is used as a stabiliser in these products.

Is Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose the same as Croscarmellose sodium?

Yes, Crosslinked Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is also known as Croscarmellose sodium, Crosslinked CMC, Modified cellulose gum, Ac-Di-Sol. These are different names for the same substance.