Hydroxyethyl cellulose (2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose) is a nonionic water-soluble modified cellulose polymer used as a thickener in water-soluble cosmetics and personal care formulations.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose demonstrates outstanding cryoprotective effects on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) during freeze-thaw cycles and significant lyoprotective effects throughout the freeze-drying process. The annealing process minimally affects its stabilizing capabilities. However, the lengthy reconstitution times for hydroxyethyl cellulose lyophilisates are significantly reduced by adding the surfactant Tween 80 before freeze-drying. Furthermore, hydroxyethyl cellulose is utilized to stabilize graphene oxide in physiological solutions, enhancing its suitability for targeted drug delivery. It effectively stabilizes graphene oxide in electrolyte solutions, with the stabilization mechanism being influenced by the hydroxyethyl cellulose content. This content is crucial in tailoring the nanohybrid for specific applications, whether for controlled drug release or folate-targeted drug delivery.