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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:
- Stabilization: They prevent the individual phases of an emulsion (water and oil) from separating.
- Viscosity regulation: They thicken the product and improve applicability.
- Skin feel: Thickeners improve the sensory properties of the product by creating a pleasant skin feel.
- 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 |
