Cosmetic Ingredients - Thickener Comparison

In this tutorial MakingCosmetics Inc is comparing different powder thickeners that are used in skin & hair care products. Thickeners such as Acrylates Compolymer (Acrylates octylacrylamide copolymer), Xanthan Gum, Carbomer 980 QD and GelMaker® Powder (Acrylates C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer). All these thickeners are used in shampoos, shower gels, serums, creams & lotions.

[@Linalyl_acetate]

6 years later this video is still super helpful

[@MeLSL1]

Thank you for these great videos!

[@greenbeautychemist.]

Great comparison thanks for this great explanation video.

[@Lucita3]

Very helpful information, thanks for sharing!

[@rukhsanarazahussain1900]

First time I watched your video it's worth watching

[@danielleannicke.7477]

Great video Thank you for sharing 😍🙏

[@laxminaiidu6745]

Thank you for the video it's awesome

[@mrsgalindo7]

I've just found your channel and visited your website today. Love them both . New subscriber and I will be making my first purchase on your website soon. I've wanted to start making beauty products for quit sometime now but never knew how to go about it. Watching your videos has helped me and has encouraged me to do so. Thank you so much for sharing 😄💖💞

[@12slmane]

can you add me sir , i need to talk with you

[@Teacher8820]

Loved this video! I want to make a cream with CSilver & MSM + DMSO & Sharlijit. Was looking for a thickner. Would Xanthan Gum work in this preparation? TIA

[@Jumoke]

I just bought the GelMaker and it doesn't work. At first I tried to mix it with flaxseed gel at a pH of like 4.5 but it didn't solidify. Then I read the instructions and left the mixture at a pH of 6 and it still did not solidify

[@DashaKirby]

Thank you for the video. Do you sell such spatulas?

[@rprocel69]

Thank you so much for this very informative video, can I use the gel maker to make pomade?

[@Johanna-cx3zp]

Thankyou so much🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@bhuvanal6503]

Good information 👍 thanks

[@imversatilemadhu]

plz help me to choose the one to add in my onion hair serum.Which will work the best or shall i choose any other thickener

[@sallykalya9023]

Thank you.Show us how to use acetyl alcohol.

[@tiaralovers]

what do you think abt hydroxyethyl cellulose?? how much % that i could use to make it slightly thick?

[@sheronshopz]

Hello I wanted to find a gelled sqalane and it is hard to find. Could I just get the sqaulane oil and blend it with this mixture to make it. I think its called versastique. It says its squalane based but how do you make it a gelly?

[@kiddmuscle]

Does Xanthan gum gel clog the hair follicles?

[@tiaragilmore9263]

Which would work best as a wig adhesive

[@mehreenshah1022]

Is carbomer good for face gels as adding triethanolamines increases ph...but ideal ph of skin is slightly acidic

[@primera7848]

sir.what about mixing with oils for polishing whats best thickener is it ?

[@cliffcox7643]

Can we use this to thicken isopropyl alcohol due to lack of hand sanitizer?

[@lizaunique]

What can I use for lipgloss base

[@Makingcosmetics]

Both xanthan gum and guam Arabic are natural polysaccharides (sugars). Xanthan gum is a more potent thickener, whereas gum Arabic has also other properties like film-forming, emulsifying and dispersing properties.

[@Inesnes1]

Good day, I have been trying to reach you for the past 6+ months without any success. I am trying to place an order for things on your website, and I need assistance doing that. But, no one responds to those online forns I fill out, nor the several other messages I have been sending to you

[@Hfernandez0603]

I'm glad that I see this channel! i'm actually trying to make face mask for our study, is it okay to use food grade xanthan gum?

[@peacegiver1000]

MakingCosmetics I would like to know if carbomer is able to be used to make lipgloss base???

[@Makingcosmetics]

@@peacegiver1000 We recommend to use polyisobutene (www.makingcosmetics.com/Polyisobutene-1200_p_106.html) instead.

[@peacegiver1000]

MakingCosmetics thank you for your prompt response. Is this the same type of polymer that is used in hair grease???

[@danhayes5225]

what is the exact difference between gel,serum and ointment? I really can't tell any significant difference. Which is better for skin absorption of the desired active pharmaceutical ingredient? And is not generally true that the thinner or lower viscosity all else being equal will be more readily absorbed into the skin.

[@sweetflakes]

What's the difference between xanthan gum and gum arabic?

[@ingridloi1489]

Can you use Carbomer 940 is there a major difference?

[@abomahmoud9703]

Hi can you please make video about hair gel

[@jujumua9662]

Does the acrylate copolymer feel stuck and dry down

[@Makingcosmetics]

No, TEA is not listed as carcinogen by any authorities.

[@UtahGmaw99]

Which ones would be good for the lotions and creams and which for gels that need to be absorbed into the skin? Very well done video. Thank you

[@Deevine_]

UtahGmaw99 carbomer is probably #1. But gel maker is good as well. Their website gives. Examples and suggestions.

[@florestista9339]

Great

[@vansyle7213]

Hello! Thank you very much for this rewarding video. My hair styling products have both Acrylate copolymer and PVP. Please help me with some questions: 1. How long will Acrylate copolymer add to the oil phase then it will completely dissolve. What is the best ratio between oil compounds and acrylate copolymer 2. Pvp for the water phase, so when it comes to blending the water phase and the oil phase, what should be noted to get a perfectly smooth mixture without clumping

[@Makingcosmetics]

We can't discuss your formula in such detail over this channel. Please contact us directly through our contact-us page at makingcosmetics.com and provide more detailed information about your formula.

[@Hfernandez0603]

I'm glad that I see this channel! i'm actuallu trying to make face mask for our study, is it okay to use food grade xanthan gum?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Yes, you can use food-grade xanthan gum.

[@Hfernandez0603]

@@Makingcosmetics thank you 😊

[@ashleyfrmn07]

MORE VIDEOS PLEASE

[@hailleasmamaw6899]

What chemicaI are called Gel maker powder

[@rujulakondapalli]

Use 1% of xanthum gum powder to mix in water then it forms gel👍

[@Beginners07]

Can wo add xanthym gum in alovera gell ???

[@marieflor111]

Hello thank you for the video . If I want to make glitter gel for face / body Which gelling agent do you recommend would be best ?

[@Makingcosmetics]

I'd go either with a gel made of xanthan gum/water or carbomer/water.

[@AshailD]

Are any of your thickeners soluble in oil? I am trying to thick a body oil

[@Makingcosmetics]

A good oil thickener is Hectorite Gel (www.makingcosmetics.com/Hectorite-Gel-SOFT_p_1260.html)

[@1995TousLeJours]

Im sorry to ask something out of context, does anyone here know what ingredients we should add to make lotion dry faster? I mean fast to absorb to our skin... Sorry, english isn't my first language 🙏

[@whateverscleveraf]

Isn't trienthanolomine a carcenogin?

[@mehulraj3035]

How to thick Hydrochloric Acid. Please reply.

[@barbarariche6915]

I wanna take classe online can you tell me where please

[@ayabenyaala6532]

je peux savoir comment dissoudre l'hydroxyethlcellulose miscible dans l'eau ?

[@RojaSivakumar]

Hi Thank you for the video But I couldn't get an answer if i can make a gel with niacinamide when TEA and cabomer used. Please let me know

[@Makingcosmetics]

You can add Niacinamide to the water phase, then increase the pH to about 6 with TEA, at pH 6 the carbomer will already form a gel.

[@RojaSivakumar]

@@Makingcosmetics thank you very very much.... I was really wanting a reply for this and once again thank you so muchhhh for your reply ♥️

[@Bambotb]

Can xanathan thicken dmso?

[@t220yaamunadewianbananthan6]

Hi, I already bought xanthan gum & Gel maker EMU from making cosmetic, can I mix both in a serum formulation. What is the typical concentration for both in making facial serum ? Thank you

[@Makingcosmetics]

When combining them together the concentration is typically

[@brandabrand7806]

Is there a preservative to stop the gel from reverting back to liquid form?

[@greenbeautychemist.]

No preservative can do that. This is not the function of a preservative.

[@saraswatiparmarrathod8503]

How to Making Amla Hair Oil ? Pls send me Amla Hair Oil Formulation Video??

[@goldenprinciples9043]

How to make acid thickener

[@rickyverma1351]

Silicone softener textile thikner u habe mam formulation plzz send me

[@John-ek5bq]

If we add more Xanthan Gum, will the gel be thicker? And can it be used on the gums? What about a preservative for the composition? A natural one? thank you!

[@Makingcosmetics]

A higher xanthan gum concentration doesn't necessarily translate into more thickness. In fact, a small amount of

[@theprivateclublacuts5087]

What is the difference between gel maker style liquid and gel maker RHEO LIQUID?

[@Makingcosmetics]

The RHEO is better suited for creams and lotions whereas the Style is more for surfactant systems (shampoos, body washes)

[@theprivateclublacuts5087]

MakingCosmetics I’m making shaving gel and I used the gel maker style but it leaves a sticky residue, but I like the fact that the gel separate right away and comes out thick 👍🏼 it’s just the sticky residue that kills me. Also I use carbomer 981 which I bought somewhere else but it does not separate right away it’s very gummy and it stretches like honey. What am I doing wrong? Is it the carbomer?

[@loombandz6722]

Here is my problem with carbomer, upon using it the first time the gel is good, however when i use the powder after a week or a month, the powder it produces becomes a grainy gel, why so?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Thank you for your inquiry. For the best results, try to hydrating the powder well, then neutralize to pH 6.5-7, then sheer mixing or homogenizing for a smooth texture.

[@maheshsharma5717]

Gel maker powder price

[@albertogarciamendez6066]

Interesting !! But, what about a chitosan solution or CMC-chitosan ?? what results would be expected? Thanks !

[@Makingcosmetics]

We did not make any tests with Chitosan.

[@monim1845]

Thanks for this video. Are these types of ingredients used to make serums for ease of application?

[@greenbeautychemist.]

You can use Xanthan gum to make serums but it won't be clear.

[@PWapa65]

@@greenbeautychemist. and with a bit stringy texture, depends on the percentage used and other ester or oil soluble part. A good serum texture and sensory profile is one of the challenging works of art that spend time and experience to achieve. Learn each ingredient’s texture and sensory profile one at a time first till you achieve the mastering level, then learn each combination of them with lots of tries and notes. Good luck!

[@adugulasheshank3457]

Thanks for the video I have tried carbomor 940 but the final product was not clear! Please suggest me how do I obtain transparent gel.

[@Makingcosmetics]

Water and carbomer will make a clear, transparent gel. However, if you add additional ingredients (especially oils or butters) it will turn opaque.

[@gaganmadane4361]

Is this gelly we able to use as ultrasound gelly?

[@itharalsawwafi538]

Hello. Thanks for the video. Just wanted to ask you to what temperature I should heat the lsat mixture?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Room temperature

[@itharalsawwafi538]

@@Makingcosmetics You mentioned that the mixture should be heated then cooled to room temp. To what temp. I should heat it up?

[@danhayes5225]

suppose i have a relatively 'watery' low viscosity mixture which i want the active component to be well absorbed into or even under the skin for example adding dmso , then adding a thickener will decrease the effect of being absorbed into the skin and under ? If anyone knows for sure which thickeners will be the least detrimental to that absorption into and under the skin effect ?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Hi there, we don't have a study that shows thickener comparisons related to absorption of actives.

[@mennamohammed5555]

Can we use carbomer to thicken a surfactant system ? Because when ever I use it never thicken a surfactant system

[@Makingcosmetics]

Carbomer is not ideal for thickening surfactant systems. Xanthan gum would be easier.

[@iaywa]

how much is the theoretical concentration of xanthan gum to be used as a gelling agent? i can't find it in the handbook of pharmaceutical excipient. thankyou

[@Makingcosmetics]

Typical concentration is 0.2-0.5%. Also adding up to 0.5% sodium chloride (salt) will increase the thickening effect.

[@Lkmsundastood]

So how much xanthan or guar gum can I use to slightly thicken a body oil for body bronzer oil?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Xanthan gum and guar gum work only in water but not oils.

[@krysalex8130]

What gives edge control that stiff hold. Is there a natural substitute I can add instead to create that stiff hold?

[@Makingcosmetics]

We recommend hair fixatives - i.e., PVP, HairFix, etc. Hair Fix XH Maltodextrin is a hair fixative that is considered natural. Here is a link to it: www.makingcosmetics.com/THK-HAIRMD-01.html?lang=default.

[@themoonlight1077]

which one is better for face cream? Acrylate copolymer,xanthan gum,gel maker powder,or carbomer 980

[@Makingcosmetics]

All can be used for face creams. Depends on your preference.

[@musikitanice]

Hi, thanks for your video, I’m learning about how to make gels and I want to know what is the common name of gel maker, I need to find it in Mexico. Thanks again.

[@Makingcosmetics]

GelMaker EMU is Acrylates C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

[@musikitanice]

ok thanks, it´s hard to find here

[@peacegiver1000]

So if I needed to make gel I could go with the carbomer, but what else would I need to add to it to increase the strength. ? That is the hold.And also what not to do to ensure there is no white residue. Thanks

[@zoorokilr4658]

مرحبا بكم مهزا المدا هل تنفع في المنضفت وا كيف احصل عليه

[@salimsalam75]

Please tell me ,you used natural water or distilled water.thankyou

[@Makingcosmetics]

Distilled water.

[@multifandomfeel1012]

i want to know how to make versagel. does it work if you add glycerin in gel base??

[@Makingcosmetics]

Versagel is mainly made of polyisobutene (www.makingcosmetics.com/Polyisobutene-1200_p_106.html) which is not mentioned here.

[@ababytaleportraits1103]

I'm hoping you can answer. In making hand sanitizer gum makes a very tacky feeling. Is either of the other options better for a non tacky solution?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Difficult to answer without more information about your formula. Gums make a solution only tacky if used at high concentrations. Also, it depends on what kind of gum you are using and what alcohol concentration the hand sanitizer consists of.

[@ababytaleportraits1103]

Xantham gum and 99% alcohol

[@Makingcosmetics]

As suggested by the FDA, alcohol should not be used at concentrations higher than 70% as its efficacy to kill germs is reduced (even though it sounds counterintuitive). An effective disinfectant must contain water. I suggest you use 70% alcohol, 29.5% water and 0.5% xanthan gum.

[@eugeniagantea2140]

Can you use only xanthan gel ?or is a must for all 4 gel

[@Makingcosmetics]

No, you don't need all 4 thickeners to make a gel. One is enough.

[@shiprarathor1759]

hi.very nice video.hv few doubts.which thickner is best for shampoo n facewash? 2nd which ingredient is use for peel of mask.thanks in advance

[@Makingcosmetics]

Theoretically, every thickener can be used all for every product. There is no "best". It really depends on what other ingredients the formula consists of.

[@shiprarathor1759]

MakingCosmetics hey thanks for ur revert.as per u which one is best for shampoo n face wash?

[@fathimahashim7005]

Ma'am, do you know any preservative( which is not so harmful to skin) to add in cosmetic products to get shelf life upto 7 months?

[@Makingcosmetics]

You can use this one: www.makingcosmetics.com/Phenoxyethanol-SA_p_243.html

[@sunshinel.francisco3332]

Hi is this good for lip gloss? As an alternative for versagel coz there's no versagel at all in our country. Please answer thank you in advance.

[@Makingcosmetics]

We recommend using polyisobutene for lip gloss (www.makingcosmetics.com/Polyisobutene-1200_p_106.html)

[@Makingcosmetics]

@@Shanaragreen Yes, that''s possible.

[@ananaabdul-azeez7186]

Could you mix the Carbomer 980 with Acrylate Copolymer? How if so? What would the steps be?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Acrylate Copolymer and carbomer can be used in the same formula. However, carbomer is added to water-phase whereas acrylate copolymer to the oil phase!

[@ananaabdul-azeez7186]

Thank you!

[@oronacosmetics4873]

Why carbomer degrades

[@GlamMommyKiSmith]

Can you use these in lip glosses ? To make versagel thicker ?

[@Mythicmindsunvailed]

Please can we get an answer on this post

[@kerryhorwitz1352]

I would like to know too. I want to make lip gloss from natural products.

[@Fkamynk]

Can you mix carbomer 980 with other gelling agents , such as aristoflex avc ?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Yes, that's possible, but I don't know whether Aristoflex specifically would work with Carbomer

[@Fkamynk]

@@Makingcosmetics thanks ! 😄

[@missblazes]

I have a question please, what is the difference between guar gum and xhantam gum

[@Makingcosmetics]

You can read more about xanthan and guar here: www.makingcosmetics.com/Xanthan-Gum-Prehydrated_p_316.html, www.makingcosmetics.com/Guar-Gum-Cationic_p_309.html

[@albab.6068]

How can I clarify the gel ? Make it more transparent? Thank you

[@Makingcosmetics]

A clear gel is made best with Carbomer. However, if you add oils or fats it will turn opaque.

[@isabellaveneracion177]

Can you add this to lipgloss base to make it thicker?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Yes, that's possible.

[@rukhsanarazahussain1900]

Can you please let me know how can we mix in Aleovera gel for thickness. What is the ratio

[@Makingcosmetics]

You can use xanthan gum at 0.1-0.5% to further thicken aloe vera gel.

[@Shanaragreen]

Will the aloe Vera gel help to make the xanthan gum clear🤔

[@NaturallyDeelicious]

Will Acrylate Copolymer thicken like this in a oil? im making lip gloss

[@Makingcosmetics]

No, acrylate copolymer is unlikely to work in oils, but only in water.

[@makaylaadzra4197]

i have a question, can we use xanthan gum to fix viscosity of emollients? so we mix them straight into the emollients? please answer, thank you

[@Makingcosmetics]

No, xanthan gum needs be mixed into water. Emollients are usually oil soluble.

[@makaylaadzra4197]

@@Makingcosmetics ok but after i dissolve it with water, is it still effective if then i mix it with my lip gloss base to thicken it up?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Yes, it should be.

[@makaylaadzra4197]

@@Makingcosmetics thank you💕

[@amakasassy]

If you use oil instead of water for carbomer will it give the same effect

[@mervatr.mohamed4198]

It will not work with oils

[@lexiiixoxo]

Can all of these thickeners be used to make lipgloss?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Theoretically yes, but it very much depends on the formula. The most widely used thickener for lip gloss is polyisobutene.

[@awaradelhika1269]

HCl thickner chemical name

[@tharaniselvan8855]

Can anyone please make a video for how to make aloevera gel or say ingredients for making exact aloevera gel.

[@peemaster123]

it’s literally just the sticky stuff inside an aloe leaf/plant

[@danhayes5225]

what about using hydrogenated castor oil as a thickener or is that too difficult and requires too much heat?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Hydrogenated castor oil isn't as effective a thickener like the ones discussed in the video. Not sure whether it thickens at all.

[@danhayes5225]

if have one essential main active component which can be significantly weakened by too much heat and esp if try putting the castor oil 'flakes' in castor oil itself seems useless as it just will not dissolve.

[@cookingwithZahra267]

can I connect you?????

[@b.lonewolf417]

Nice video! :-) Can anyone tell me what thickener would blend most effectively with alcohol, if I'm trying to make a homemade hand sanitizer?

[@maryajoy4946]

I use carbomer

[@ebrahimganchi2030]

B. Lonewolf hi we don’t carbomer available what else can be used to if we blending sanitizer

[@ImSoPersonable]

Acrylate copolymer

[@kanchem3452]

sir can you tell me which matirial i can use in food addactive . i want matirial who absorb 200 time water

[@Makingcosmetics]

We don't sell food related products.

[@Lewy1811]

I always experience unpleasant sticky skin feeling after using products with xanthan gum. Even if I use concentrations like 0,3% in my formulas the feeling occurs. Is that normal?

[@Makingcosmetics]

It depends on what other ingredients you add. For example, glycerin increases stickyness.

[@Lewy1811]

@@Makingcosmetics Thank you for your response. Do you mean that glycerin increases stickyness of products containing xanthan gum? If so, can I use different thickener such as guar gum to solve this problem?

[@Makingcosmetics]

Yes, you can use a different thickener, but be aware that glycerin itself (especially if it's >5%) is sticky too

[@fejirojoy3458]

Hello thanks for your wonderful titian can I use it to make liquid soap please let me know because I've been looking for a product to use to thicken my liquid soap if you have an idea of what to use please let me know thank you so much I really do appreciate

[@Makingcosmetics]

You could use Glucose-SORB to thicken liquid soap: www.makingcosmetics.com/Glucose-SORB_p_1207.html

[@faizasaif7849]

@@Makingcosmetics what can be used as foaming agent in liquid soaps and face washes instead of sodium lauryl sulphate? Is Amin LS-30 or Amin LS-95 safe? Is Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) also safe and good alternative?

[@Makingcosmetics]

You could use sulfosuccinate or CAPB (www.makingcosmetics.com/Surfactants-Soaps_c_74.html)

[@CynthiacChavez]

Would carbomer 980 be suitable for Lip gloss base? Thank you

[@covegirl06]

No ma’am! Not even close. Carbomer is mostly used for hair gels. Try tkb trading versagel for gloss base

[@isabellaveneracion177]

Yes you can use carbomer

[@covegirl06]

Isabella Veneracion no you cannot. Not for lip gloss. Carbomer is to thicken water based products, like hair gel or body washes. It won’t even dissolve if you incorporate it into lip gloss base

[@Mandy-J]

@@covegirl06 you mean carbomer is best for body shower gels instead of xanthan gum? Please reply

[@covegirl06]

@@Mandy-J carbomer and xanthan gum will only activate in waterbased products. Neither will dissolve in an oil based lip gloss. You can check out makingcosmetics.com for formulas. I just know xanthan gum nor carbomer will NOT mix with lip gloss base

[@ChannelThanuri]

How to make aloe vera gel? Plz explain me. Ant it should be keep in the room temperature atleast 6 months? How about preservatives ?

[@barbarariche6915]

Hello I really want learn from you

[@sajawathubbyanjali_eventpl491]

Which is best for use on face

[@Makingcosmetics]

All thickeners can be used for the face.