Listed functions (EU CosIng): emulsion stabilising, gel forming, viscosity controlling
Carbomer is a polymer that thickens and stabilizes skincare products. It's the ingredient that turns a liquid into a gel or gives a cream its texture. You'll find it in a lot of formulas because it's reliable and does its job without much fuss.
The main thing carbomer does is control how a product feels and flows. It keeps oil and water from separating, which matters if your moisturizer or serum has both. It also helps products spread evenly across skin instead of sitting in clumps.
You don't need much of it to work. Formulators use small amounts because a little goes a long way. It's been used in skincare for decades, so there's a lot of history behind it. If you've used a gel cleanser or a lightweight moisturizer, carbomer was probably in there making it feel the way it did.
Products with Carbomer
15 active products. Cards link to a dupe page where one exists.
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Cleanser · 354.9 ml
CeraVe
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Cleanser · 354.9 ml
CeraVe
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Moisturizer · 354.9 ml
CeraVe
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Moisturizer · 59.2 ml
Cosrx
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Toner · 100 ml · $25.00
Prices checked today
CeraVe
Eye Repair Cream
Eye cream · 14.8 ml
CeraVe
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion
Sunscreen · 70.9 g
CeraVe
Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Serum · 29.6 ml
e.l.f.
Holy Hydration! Face Cream
Moisturizer · 50 g · $13.00
Prices checked today
The Inkey List
Caffeine Eye Cream
Eye cream · 15 ml · $14.00
Prices checked today
Paula's Choice
CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment
Serum · 29.6 ml · $48.75
Prices checked today
Aveeno
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Face Moisturizer, For Sensitive Skin, 1.7 Oz
Moisturizer · 48.2 g
Neutrogena
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel with Signature Fragrance 1.7 Oz
Moisturizer · 48.2 g
Neutrogena
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream, 0.5 Fl. Oz
Eye cream · 14.8 ml
The Inkey List
Hyaluronic Acid Serum - 30ml
Serum · 30 ml · $13.00
Prices checked today
This is general information about ingredients and prices, not medical advice. Patch test new products and talk to a dermatologist about skin conditions.
