Oregon Esthetician State Board

What ingredient is frequently used to thicken creams and gels?

1. Carbomer

2. Chemical stabilizer

3. Wax

4. Paraben

The correct answer is: Carbomer

Carbomer is a widely used ingredient in cosmetic formulations to thicken creams and gels due to its ability to create a smooth, stable consistency. It is a synthetic polymer that can absorb a significant amount of water, leading to an increase in viscosity. This thickening property is essential for formulators as it helps improve the texture and application of products, ensuring they spread easily over the skin while maintaining a desired level of thickness. Carbomer also helps to stabilize emulsions, preventing the separation of oil and water phases, which is particularly important in cream formulations. Its ability to create clear gels is another reason it is often chosen for products designed for topical application. While chemical stabilizers, waxes, and parabens play roles in cosmetic formulations, they do not predominantly serve the purpose of thickening creams and gels in the same way that carbomer does. Chemical stabilizers are typically used to enhance the stability of specific formulations, waxes are primarily used to create a solid structure and provide a certain consistency or texture, and parabens are preservatives used to prevent microbial growth within products.