Carbomer

A synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Functions
Origin
Carbomer

Overview

Carbomer is an interesting ingredient that comes in the form of a white powder. When added to water, carbomer swells and creates a gel structure, making it a gel forming agent.

Because of this behavior, carbomer is frequently used to control viscosity in various water-based products, in which it makes the products thicker. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer. The thickening behavior of the ingredient impedes the eventual separation of the other emulsion ingredients, creating a stabilized skincare product.