Carbomer in skincare
A polymer used to form gels and control thickness.
What is carbomer?
A polymer used to form gels and control thickness. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Carbomer. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does carbomer do for skin and the product?
Provides texture and helps keep the formulation uniform.
Supporting ingredients can control pH, solubility, texture and stability. They are not necessarily added for a direct effect on skin, but may be needed for a particular product type to work.
A texturising agent is not necessarily an active ingredient with an independent effect on skin.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about carbomer
What does carbomer do in skincare?
Provides texture and helps keep the formulation uniform.
What should I know about carbomer?
A texturising agent is not necessarily an active ingredient with an independent effect on skin.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations