Is carbomer toxic. However, certain exposure routes or individual sensitivities can lead to adverse effects. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be a likely human carcinogen. S. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, which independently evaluates cosmetic ingredients, concluded that carbomers are safe for use in cosmetics. A carbomer polymer demonstrated low potential for phototoxicity and photo-contact allergenicity. It functions as a gelling agent, an emulsifier suspending insoluble solids in liquid, preventing the oil and water in your skincare products from separating. It is a known carcinogen, gastrointestinal and liver toxicant, and neurotoxin. Carbomers are synthetic ingredients that cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies use in products due to their suspending, emulsifying, and thickening properties. Can Carbomer be found under different names in product ingredients lists? Acute oral animal studies showed that Carbomers-910, -934, -934P, -940, and -941 have low toxicities when ingested. Carbomer is a large polymeric chemical composed of acrylic acid monomers. Carbomers are generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used as intended in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. Nov 19, 2025 · Potential Health Hazards of Carbomer For most people, products containing carbomers are safe and well-tolerated when used as directed. Carbomers have a strong safety record. On the basis of the available information presented and as qualified in the report, it is concluded that the Carbomer (Carbopol) products are safe as cosmetic ingredients. They are primarily added to gel-like formulations, such as facial moisturizers, sunscreens, shampoos, anti-aging formulations, cleansers, and EWG’s Skin Deep rates thousands of personal care product ingredients, culled from ingredient labels on products, based on hazard information pulled from the scientific literature and industry, academic and regulatory databases. Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer found in a wide range of cosmetics and personal care products. They are used in pharmaceutical processes as suspending agents, gel bases, emulsifiers, and binding agents. Carbomer is the trade name for polyacrylic acid. . Diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) are ammonia compounds used as emulsifiers and foaming agents in cosmetics. Apr 11, 2025 · Carbomer is a high molecular weight polymer compound used commonly in the cosmetic industry. They are also used as artificial tears. Cosmetics and personal care products are not required to be tested for safety before being allowed on the market. 20004 Health and safety, common uses, other names and ingredient information for Carbomer. DEA, TEA, MEA. Mar 18, 2024 · What is Carbomer and is it safe? Carbomer is a polymer derived from acrylic acid, commonly used in products as emulsifiers, thickeners, and binders. DIMETHICONE. Rabbits showed minimal skin ir- ritation and zero to moderate eye irritation when tested with Carbomers-910 and -934. C. Subchronic feeding of rats and dogs with Carbomer-934 in the diet resulted in lower than normal body weights, but no pathological changes were observed. Carbomer is a group of synthetic high molecular weight polymers of acrylic acid used in cosmetics and skincare products as thickening agents. It is used to create a soft, smooth feel on skin and hair. It is a synthetic polymer of acrylic acid used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products to control viscosity and flow. These compounds can absorb large amounts of water, increasing in volume up to 1,000 times to form gels and thick solutions that are stable and resistant to spoilage. FORMALDEHYDE. Carbomers Carbomers are acrylic acid polymers that are used for a variety of purposes. This chemical by-product of ethoxylation (an ingredient processing method used to make petro-ingredients less irritating to skin) is determined by the U. Carbomers absorb and hold water. Oct 23, 2025 · Carbomer is generally considered safe for human use by regulatory bodies like the FDA, with low potential for irritation in most people. EWG’s Skin Deep rates thousands of personal care product ingredients, culled from ingredient labels on products, based on hazard information pulled from the scientific literature and industry, academic and regulatory databases. Formaldehyde is an impurity released by certain synthetic preservatives, like urea. Carbomers are available in a variety of grades, each with different properties and characteristics, such as particle size, cross-link density, and molecular weight. Research indicates that it is generally nonirritating to the skin, and health experts consider it safe and nontoxic for humans. Nov 13, 2022 · What Is Carbomer? Carbomer is the commonly used name for an ingredient called polyacrylic acid (PAA). Carbomer 974P is a carbomer that is the major non-aqueous component (5% polymer, 94% water) of a proprietary formulation called BufferGel, which also contains Oct 30, 2025 · What is a Carbomer Considered? A carbomer is primarily considered a rheology modifier. Carbomer is a synthetic polymer often used as a thickening agent in shampoos, shower gels, moisturizers, serums, and eye creams. While not absorbed by the skin, concerns exist regarding potential environmental pollution from this non-biodegradable polymer. In its dry state, carbomer is a powder, but when mixed with water and neutralized, it swells significantly to form a gel. See how this product scores for common concerns. 555 13th Street, NW, Suite 300W Washington, D. In 2019, the Expert Panel reviewed 126 acrylates copolymers, including carbomer, and found them safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration. Some common types of carbomer include carbomer 934, carbomer 940, and carbomer 980. Dogs EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning is a free, searchable online tool providing consumers with safety ratings for common household cleaners. 1,4 DIOXANE. sxyv uihheo mxmjd arhinx ljcfzz tykb suy fizgp kfle sincg