Potassium Carbomer
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Potassium salt of carbomer
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
Potassium Carbomer is the potassium salt of Carbomer
CAS #
-
Form
Powder
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Viscosity Controlling
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Controls Viscosity
Creates protective layer
Keeps product blended
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
Synthetic polymer developed in the mid-20th century as a thickening and stabilizing agent for cosmetic formulations. Not derived from traditional ingredients but created to replace natural gums and thickeners.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR