Sodium Carbomer is the sodium salt of carbomer, a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer used to thicken, stabilize, and create gel textures in cosmetic formulations. It functions as a rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; occasional transient irritation possible, often related to other formulation components or pH. |
| Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Very rare | Allergic sensitization to carbomer-type polymers is uncommon and infrequently documented. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | May cause mild stinging or irritation on direct contact with eyes. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.