Quick answer
A blend of sodium (salt) and the gelling agent carbomer; Used as a stabilizer and film-forming agent; Does not require an alkaline catalyst to thicken it, as some other carbomers do; Deemed safe as used in cosmetics
Sodium Carbomer
Updated
2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether, sodium salts
Purpose
This blend of sodium (salt) and the gelling agent carbomer serves as a film-forming agent and stabilizer in cosmetics formulations. Carbomers have been ruled safe as used in skin care products.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Film-Forming Agent, pH Adjuster/Stabilizer
INCI Purpose
EMULSION STABILISING, FILM FORMING, GEL FORMING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Alternative Names
At a Glance
A blend of sodium (salt) and the gelling agent carbomer
Used as a stabilizer and film-forming agent
Does not require an alkaline catalyst to thicken it, as some other carbomers do
Deemed safe as used in cosmetics
Article
Sodium carbomer is a blend of sodium (salt) and carbomer. Carbomer is a texture enhancer primarily used to create clear gel-like formulations. Sodium carbomer functions as a stabilizer and film-forming agent in skin care products.
According to one supplier, sodium carbomer is advantageous because it does not require an alkaline catalyst to be added to its formulation to thicken it (many other carbomers are acidic, whereas sodium carbomer has a neutral pH).
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has ruled carbomers are safe as used in cosmetics, where its typical usage level is 0.2–0.5%.
See: Carbomer
References