Carbomer is the derivative of acrylic acid. Carbomer does not refer to a singular compound; instead, it serves as a general term for a group of artificial polymers employed in numerous sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products. On their own, carbomers appear as a white and fluffy powder; but they are commonly utilized in the form of gels in a diverse range of cosmetics and personal care items designed for the skin, hair, nails, makeup products, and even dentifrices. These polymers function as agents for thickening, dispersing, and emulsifying.
In skincare formulations, carbomers are inactive ingredients that help active ingredients to work well. Although carbomers themselves do not possess the ability to significantly improve the state of the skin or address existing concerns, they can provide advantages when incorporated into specific products. These advantages include thickening and evening out the consistency of products, preventing separation in products, and improving the texture of products.
Carbomers act as thickening agents, ensuring better control over the consistency and stickiness of cosmetic products. They help to maintain a smooth flow.
They also aid in distributing and suspending insoluble solids within liquids, preventing the separation of oil and liquid components in a solution. This property is particularly beneficial for thinner moisturizers like emulsions.
When carbomers are suspended in water, they can expand up to 1000 times their original volume. By incorporating carbomers into formulations, such as shampoos, conditioners, creams, and lotions, these products can achieve a more luxurious, smooth, and creamy texture.
Overall, carbomers are classified as very safe ingredients and are well-tolerated by the majority of people.
