Encyclopedia

Thickeners

9 thickener ingredients explained in plain English.

Carbomer Carbomer Synthetic polymer for clear gels and stable emulsions. The gold standard for gel formulations. 0.1-1% Cetearyl Alcohol Cetearyl Alcohol A blend of cetyl + stearyl alcohols. Co-emulsifier and thickener that gives lotions and conditioners a substantial, cushioned body. 1-5% Cetyl Alcohol Cetyl Alcohol A fatty alcohol that thickens lotions and adds a silky, slippery finish. Not drying despite the name. 1-5% Guar Gum Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum Natural galactomannan thickener from guar beans. Inexpensive water-phase thickener with strong viscosity. 0.2-2% Gum Arabic Acacia Senegal Gum A natural water-soluble polysaccharide from African Acacia trees. Versatile film-former, emulsion stabilizer, and binder used in face masks, serums, hair styling, and mineral makeup. 1-10% Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) Hydroxyethylcellulose A modified-cellulose thickener that produces crystal-clear, non-slimy gels. Cleaner skin feel than gums. 0.5-2% Sclerotium Gum Sclerotium Gum A natural fungal polysaccharide thickener. Produces silky, non-slimy gels with a smoother feel than xanthan. 0.1-1% Stearic Acid Stearic Acid A fatty acid co-emulsifier and thickener. Builds dense, matte textures in body butters, deodorant sticks, and rich creams. 1-5% (emulsions), up to 25% (sticks and balms) Xanthan Gum Xanthan Gum A natural fermented polysaccharide that thickens water-based formulas and stabilizes emulsions. Comes in several grades with different feels. 0.1-1%