Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is carbomer primarily used for in formulations?

1. As a thickening agent

2. As a preservative

3. As a pH balancer

4. As an exfoliant

The correct answer is: As a thickening agent

Carbomer is primarily used in formulations as a thickening agent. This synthetic polymer has the ability to increase the viscosity of products, affecting their texture and stability. When added to water-based formulations, carbomer helps to create a gel-like consistency, which is beneficial for achieving desired product forms such as lotions, creams, and gels. Additionally, the thickening properties of carbomers can enhance the application experience of cosmetic products by making them smoother and more spreadable on the skin. While other functions, such as preservation or pH balancing, might be important in product formulation, carbomers do not fulfill those roles. Their primary function is distinctively related to modifying the physical properties of a formulation, emphasizing the importance of viscosity in cosmetic and skincare products.