thickener
Einsatz von Verdickungsmittel im Kosmetiksektor

Thickeners in cosmetics –

Improve efficiency, stability and skin feel


Thickeners play a crucial role in cosmetics as they increase the viscosity of a product and give it stability. Not only do they provide a more pleasant consistency, but they also influence the skin feel and texture of creams, gels and lotions. Thickeners are used in a wide variety of cosmetic formulations and can be of natural or synthetic origin.


In this blog you will learn more about the different types of thickeners, their application and their importance in product development.

1. Types of thickeners


Thickeners can be divided into different categories depending on their chemical structure and origin:


Synthetic thickeners:


These are produced chemically and are more stable and cheaper to produce. Examples are carbomer and acrylates.


Natural thickeners:


They come from plant or mineral sources. These ingredients are often preferred in natural cosmetics. Examples are xanthan gum and agar-agar.


Proteins and polysaccharides:


These substances offer additional nourishing properties and are often suitable for sensitive skin. Examples are hydroxyethylcellulose and guar gum.


2. Functions and Benefits of Thickeners


Thickeners perform several tasks in cosmetic formulations:


  1. Stabilization: They prevent the individual phases of an emulsion (water and oil) from separating.
  2. Viscosity regulation: They thicken the product and improve applicability.
  3. Skin feel: Thickeners improve the sensory properties of the product by creating a pleasant skin feel.
  4. Care effect: Some natural thickeners such as hyaluronic acid also have moisturizing properties.


Designation INCI-Name area of operation effect on the body
Acrylate/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer sunscreen products, creams Stabilizer and thickener, improves durability
Agar-Agar So that Yellow, Masks Forms a firm gel, improves skin feel
alginic acid Alginic Acid Gels, Masks Forms solid gels, hydrating
Bentonite Bentonite masks, peelings Thickening, detoxifying, cleanses the skin
Carbomer Carbomer gels, lotions Ensures clear, stable formulations
Carrageen Carrageenan Masks, Gels Forms elastic gels, well tolerated
Cetearylalkohol Cetearyl Alcohol creams, lotions Thickens emulsions, gives the skin a smooth feeling
Cetylalkohol Cetyl Alcohol creams, lotions Thickening, softening
Chitosan Chitosan shampoos, hair care products Provides texture and combability, protects the hair
Cetearylalkohol Cetearyl Alcohol creams, lotions Thickens emulsions, gives the skin a smooth feeling
Cetylalkohol Cetyl Alcohol creams, lotions Thickening, softening
Chitosan Chitosan shampoos, hair care products Provides texture and combability, protects the hair
Dextrin Dextrin masks, creams Forms elastic gels, improves texture
Gellan Gum Gellan Gum Masks, Yellow Forms elastic gels, good for skin tolerance
Glycerylstearat Glyceryl Stearate moisturizers, lotions Thickener, provides suppleness and moisture
Guarkernmehl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride shampoos, hair conditioners Moisturizes, improves combability
Arabic gum Acacia Senegal Gum Gele, Creams Forms delicate gels, nourishing and stabilizing
hyaluronic acid Sodium Hyaluronate anti-aging creams, moisturizing serums Moisturizing, smoothes the skin
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Hydrolyzed Corn Starch creams, lotions Thickening, moisturizing
Hydroxyethylcellulose Hydroxyethylcellulose shampoos, shower gels Improves viscosity, nourishes the skin
Brandy Amorphophallus Konjac Root Extract masks, peelings Moisturizing, improves texture
Lecithin Lecithin moisturizers, serums Emulsifier and thickener, moisturizing
Methylcellulose Methylcellulose creams, lotions thickener, provides good film formation
Microcrystalline Cellulose Microcrystalline Cellulose creams, lotions Thickening, stabilizing
Sodium alginates Sodium Alginate Masks, Yellow Thickening, improves texture
Pectin Pectin moisturizers, gels Provides moisture, improves texture
Polyquaternium-10 Polyquaternium-10 shampoos, hair care products Thickens and nourishes the hair, improves combability
Sorbitol Sorbitol moisturizers, serums Moisturizing, improves texture
Xanthan Gum Xanthan Gum Creams, lotions, gels Provides stability and suppleness, skin-friendly
thickener

Use Chrambl's expertise to optimize your cosmetic products! Our thickeners are not only efficient, but also provide the perfect skin feel for your customers. Let us support your next product development and find sustainable, high-performance cosmetic solutions.
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