Ca
Carbomer
Carbomer · Carbomer 940
Synthetic gelling polymer. Workhorse thickener in clear gels and lightweight serums.
What it does
Carbomer is a synthetic acrylic-acid-based polymer that thickens water-based formulations into clear gels. It's the structural backbone behind a huge fraction of clear toners, essences, and gel moisturizers — when you see a transparent gel that holds its shape, carbomer is usually doing the work. Generally non-irritating; the few reported reactions usually trace to the manufacturing solvent residual rather than the polymer itself.
Also known as
acrylic acid polymer
Pairs worth knowing
This page is public and indexed on purpose (unlike profiles and drops, which are unlisted) — it’s the citation behind shared ingredient cards, and it should be findable.
Want more like this?
Get Drop, free. Every flag cites its source, the app tells you when your routine is complete, and it helps you simplify — instead of selling you more products.