Sodium Carbomer is a pre-neutralized synthetic polymer that can be used to thicken, suspend and stabilize cosmetic formulations.  Requiring very low concentrations,  Carbomers are often used to adjust the viscosity of cosmetic preparations.  They dry quickly and are not film forming. Sodium Carbomer does not require the alkaline catalyst that all other Carbomers require.

Sodium Carbomer is already neutralized, and in the sodium carbomer form, it is a dry powder with a pH of approximately 6.5. After mixing with water to create a simple gel matrix, the pH remains a 6-7.5. Unlike most Carbomers which are acidic and need to be neutralized with an alkaline substance to thicken them after introduction, Sodium Carbomer does not. As it is sprinkled into a formulation, it readily thickens within a pH range of approximately 5.0 to 10 at a concentration of 0.2%.

Carbomers as an ingredient family resist bacterial attack and do not readily support mold growth.  Under normal conditions, gels prepared with Sodium Carbomer neither prevent nor promote the growth of microorganisms; therefore the addition of a suitable preservative system is advisable.