Quick answer

Often used to create gel-textured formulas.; May influence a product’s consistency in other ways by having a thickening/viscosity-controlling effect.; Can increase skin permeation and retention of key active ingredients.; Utilized in all kinds of beauty products including facial moisturizers, body lotions, hair care and makeup.; The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed carbomer and reaffirmed its safety.

Carbomer

Updated

2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether

Purpose

Often used to create gel-textured formulas or to influence the product’s thickness. Research also shows carbomers can enhance the penetration & effectiveness of key actives.

Rating

GOOD

Category

Texture Enhancer, Polymer, pH Adjuster/Stabilizer

INCI Purpose

EMULSION STABILISING, GEL FORMING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Risks

Synthetic polymer — Lab-made polymer used to thicken or form a film — not a solid microplastic particle

Alternative Names

At a Glance

Often used to create gel-textured formulas.

May influence a product’s consistency in other ways by having a thickening/viscosity-controlling effect.

Can increase skin permeation and retention of key active ingredients.

Utilized in all kinds of beauty products including facial moisturizers, body lotions, hair care and makeup.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed carbomer and reaffirmed its safety.

Article

Carbomers are a group of synthetic skin care ingredients used primarily to create gel-like formulations. They can also influence a product’s texture in other ways by having a thickening/viscosity-controlling effect.

Studies have shown that carbomer gel formulations can increase skin permeation and retention of key active ingredients.

Carbomers are utilized in a wide range of beauty products beyond skin care, including hair care and makeup items.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel recently re-reviewed carbomer’s safety and reaffirmed that concentrations up to 15% are safe as used in personal care products. As a raw material, carbomers come in the form of light, fluffy, white powders. Note: High amounts of carbomers in a gel may result in the product rolling or balling up of cosmetic products on skin, but this phenomenon depends on other formulary steps taken to minimize this effect.

References