In poultry, most data in the literature tend to demonstrate that the cellulose complex from plant feedingstuffs that exhibits high crystallinity and water insolubility is not digested (Janssen and Carré, 1985).

According to Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, EFSA, after verifying the particulars and documents submitted by the applicant, shall undertake an assessment in order to determine whether the feed additive complies with the conditions laid down in Article 5. EFSA shall deliver an opinion on the safety for the target animals, consumer, user and the environment and on the efficacy of the product hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, when used under the proposed conditions of use (see Section 3.1.1).

In cosmetics, HPMC is used as a humectant to keep skin hydrated and supple. It allows the skin to breathe and prevents clogged pores from forming due to sebum production by the sebaceous glands. In the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC can be used as an excipient or diluent for certain drugs that require slow releases such as tablets or capsules. HPMC does not dissolve easily in water but dissolves easily in alcohols like methanol and ethanol which makes it ideal for use in these drugs due to its low toxicity level compared to other chemicals used currently. 

favors the use of HPMC capsules as they allow us to manufacture supplements without additives like magnesium stearate. Manufacturing tablets requires glue, binders, fillers, and coating. With an HPMC capsule you can fill it with just the active ingredient, and thus minimize the number of additional ingredients required.