What it is
Sodium carbomer is a high-molecular-weight crosslinked polyacrylic acid already neutralized with sodium, so it swells in water to form a clear gel without needing a separate neutralizing step. In a sunscreen it thickens the formula, stabilizes the emulsion, and helps suspend pigments or other particles evenly. The result is a smooth, consistent product that holds its texture.
Safety & warnings
Carbomer-type polymers are large molecules that remain on the skin surface and are widely used with a strong record of good tolerability and low irritation potential. They are not comedogenic and contain no known fragrance allergens.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic, made by crosslinking polymerization of acrylic acid and neutralizing the polymer with sodium.
Questions everyone asks
How is sodium carbomer different from carbomer?
Sodium carbomer is supplied already neutralized as the sodium salt, so it gels in water without a separate neutralization step.
What does it do in the product?
It thickens and gels the formula and helps keep the emulsion and any suspended particles uniform.