Thickener

Carbomer

The invisible hero of most creams and gels — Carbomer provides products with the perfect texture and ensures formula stability. One of the most common thickeners in cosmetics, transforming liquids into silky gels and creams.

ThickenerTextureGelStability

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

1/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Carbomer — a synthetic polymer (polyacrylic acid, cross-linked). Variants: Carbomer 940, 941, 980, 981, 934. Ultrez 10, ETD 2020 — improved versions. Upon neutralization (NaOH or triethanolamine), it swells and transforms the aqueous phase into a clear gel. In INCI: Carbomer or Carbomer [number].

A basic component of gels, lightweight creams, gel-textured toners, and serums. Present in most cosmetic products with gel or cream textures.

Key Benefits

✦

Perfect gel and cream texture

Transforms the aqueous phase into a clear or semi-clear gel of any viscosity — from lightweight toner to dense night cream.

◈

Formula stabilization

Keeps active components evenly distributed throughout the product, preventing separation and settling of ingredients.

✧

Inertness and safety

Chemically inert polymer — does not interact with active components, does not irritate the skin, safe for all skin types at regulated concentrations.

Suitable for

For all skin typesOily skin (lightweight gels)

Main Actions

✓ Thickening✓ Formula stabilization✓ Texturizing✓ Maintaining the product's shape

Why is there EDTA and TEA in the gel?

Carbomer requires neutralization for thickening — usually triethanolamine (TEA) or NaOH raises the pH to 6-7, activating the gel. EDTA (chelating agent) paired with Carbomer enhances stability in hard water.

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