Carbomer

INCI: CARBOMER
Type: Viscosity increasing, emulsion stabilizer, gel forming
Origin: A synthetic polymer created from acrylic acid. Produced via polymerization to create high-molecular-weight molecules that swell in water.

What it does:

Carbomer is a high-performance thickening and stabilizing agent used in countless cosmetic formulations. Despite its synthetic origin, it is one of the most thoroughly safety-assessed ingredients in skincare. Its primary functions are:

1. Gel formation: Creates smooth and silky gel textures that are stable and elegant.
2. Viscosity builder: Increases thickness of creams and lotions. Provides the rich, luxurious consistency expected from quality moisturizers.
3. Suspension agent: Holds particles (like encapsulated actives) in place. Ensures uniform distribution with every use.

Why we use it:

In our overnight repair cream, carbomer arrives as part of our specialized ceramide mix – not something we add separately. It’s resent at extremely low levels, only what is needed to suspend the ceramides effectively. Our ceramide producer pre-formulates the mix with carbomer to ensure stability and performance. Removing it would compromise the entire delivery system.