E463 · Hydroxypropylcellulose
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E463?
Hydroxypropylcellulose is a plant-cellulose derivative used as a thickener, stabilizer, and film-former in sauces, dressings, and processed foods. It is not digested or absorbed and functions similarly to other cellulose gums, though it is used less commonly in food than in pharmaceutical tablet coatings and personal care products.
Also appears on labels as: E463, E 463, E-463, Hydroxypropylcellulose, HPC, Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Cellulose, hydroxypropyl ether, Modified cellulose, Cellulose derivative E463, Stabilizer E463, Thickener E463, Food additive E463.
What the evidence says
- Not digested or absorbed by the body; considered inert and low-risk at approved food-use levels.
- Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA and approved by EFSA at typical food-use levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E463 safe?
Our overall verdict for E463 (Hydroxypropylcellulose) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E463 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Hydroxypropylcellulose — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E463 and why is it used?
Hydroxypropylcellulose is a plant-cellulose derivative used as a thickener, stabilizer, and film-former in sauces, dressings, and processed foods. It is not digested or absorbed and functions similarly to other cellulose gums, though it is used less commonly in food than in pharmaceutical tablet coatings and personal care products.
Does E463 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Hydroxypropylcellulose.
Watch E463
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.