Ingredient guide ›

Carbomer

The gel maker.

What it does

Turns liquids into smooth gels and creams and stops them from separating.

Good to know

A family of thickening ingredients. Labels may add a number, like Carbomer 940, which is just the grade.

Often found in: Shampoos, Body lotions, Hand creams

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

No independent safety review found. The only review is industry-funded.

• CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Carbomers (Industry-funded)