Thickeners are essential ingredients used to increase the viscosity and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations. They provide the desired consistency, enhance stability, and improve the sensory experience of products such as creams, lotions, gels, shampoos, and conditioners.
Also, they suspend Additives like solid particles in formulations, more important in exfoliants or pigmented products.
Types of Thickeners in Cosmetics
1. Natural Thickeners: Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Cellulose Derivatives, starches, alginates
They absorb water to swell and thicken. They may be less consistent but favored for “clean” formulations.
2. Synthetic Thickeners: Carbomer, Polyacrylate Copolymers, PEG
They offer precise control, clear gels, and superior texture without stickiness
3. Associative Thickeners: Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Silicone- Based Thickeners
They interact with other ingredients (like surfactants) to build viscosity. Often used in shampoos and conditioners
4. Inorganic Thickeners: Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Silica & Bentonite
5. Electrolytes & pH Adjusters: Sodium Chloride for Adjust viscosity in shampoos and body washes, citric Acid & Sodium Hydroxide to modify pH to optimize texture