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Sodium Carbomer

What Sodium Carbomer is & what it does

A pre-neutralized form of carbomer that quickly thickens formulas into smooth, clear gels. It stabilizes emulsions and suspends ingredients evenly.

Is Sodium Carbomer safe?

Sodium Carbomer is a synthetic polymer widely used in cosmetics as a thickener and stabilizer, and it is generally considered well tolerated for topical use. It is used at low concentrations to adjust texture. Sensitive users can patch test a new product if concerned.

What does Sodium Carbomer do in skincare?

Sodium Carbomer thickens water-based formulas and helps create gels, stabilizing the product and giving it a smooth, even feel. In sunscreens and serums it helps keep ingredients evenly dispersed. It is a formulation aid rather than an active skincare ingredient.

Is Sodium Carbomer natural or synthetic?

Sodium Carbomer is synthetic, made by neutralizing a man-made acrylic acid polymer. It is not derived from plants or animals.

Sunscreens with Sodium Carbomer

We rate 37 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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