Login

Cart

Your cart is empty
Thickeners & Gelling Agents

Ingredients for controlled texture, viscosity and formulation structure.

A curated range of thickeners and gelling agents used to build structure, refine texture and control flow behaviour across cosmetic formulations.

Shop Ingredients Learn More
Thickeners & Gelling Agents
Viscosity Control
Viscosity Control
Used to adjust thickness and flow behaviour within formulations.
Texture Refinement
Texture Refinement
Texture Refinement
System Structure
System Structure
Supports suspension and overall formulation stability.
Formulation Precision
Formulation Precision
Allows control over final product texture and performance.

WHERE THESE INGREDIENTS ARE COMMONLY USED

From clear gels to creams, serums and structured cosmetic systems

Gel Systems

Gel Systems

Used to create clear or opaque gels with defined structure.

  • Carbomer 940
  • Sclerotium Gum
  • Xanthan Gum
  • Glycerin
Serums & Lightweight Systems

Serums & Lightweight Systems

Supports viscosity and improves application without heaviness.

  • Xanthan Gum
  • Sclerotium Gum
  • Cetearyl Alcohol
  • Cetyl Alcohol

Creams & Emulsions

Creams & Emulsions

Adds body and helps stabilise formulation systems.

  • Xanthan Gum
  • Sclerotium Gum
  • Carbomer 940
  • Bentonite Clay

Suspension Systems

Selected where particles, pigments or actives need improved suspension and formula consistency.

  • Xanthan Gum
  • Sclerotium Gum
  • Carbomer 940
  • Bentonite Clay

Sort by

Filters

Explore ingredients in this category.

Sclerotium Gum Powder Sale price 50 g From $34.95
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol Sale price 100 g From $9.95
Cetearyl Alcohol Flakes
Cetearyl Alcohol Flakes Sale price 100 g From $6.95
Bentonite Clay Powder Sale price 100 g From $9.95
Carbomer 940 Powder Sale price 50 g From $12.95
Xanthan Gum Powder
Xanthan Gum Powder Sale price 100 g From $12.95
Formulation article image
Thickeners & Gelling Agents

Understanding Thickeners & Gelling Agents in Cosmetic Formulation

Learn how thickeners and gelling agents control viscosity, improve stability and refine texture across a wide range of cosmetic formulations.

READ THE ARTICLE

Frequently asked questions

Practical answers to common questions about this formulation goal.

What do thickeners do in cosmetic formulations?

Thickeners increase viscosity and help control the texture and flow of formulations

What is the difference between a thickener and a gelling agent?

Gelling agents create structured systems like gels, while thickeners adjust viscosity without forming full gel networks.

Can these be used in both serums and creams?

Yes. Many are used across water-based systems, gels and emulsions depending on formulation needs.

How do I choose the right thickener?

Selection depends on desired texture, clarity, compatibility and formulation type.

Do thickeners affect stability?

Yes. They help improve suspension, consistency and overall system stability.

Are they suitable for beginner forumulations?

Yes. Many are widely used and suitable for both simple and advanced formulations.