In the present study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has been used as a substitute for carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in the manufacturing of liquid detergents with the aim to bring out a product comparable between the two derivatives of cellulose in terms of thickening property and cost economics. Liquid detergent samples are prepared in the laboratory as per standard formulation with different amounts of MCC and CMC. MCC is found to be superior to CMC, both as a thickening agent and in its cost effectiveness.