Functional Category 200 ingredients

Rheology Modifiers & Thickeners

Rheology modifiers adjust the viscosity, flow, and texture of cosmetic formulations. Synthetic thickeners include carbomers (cross-linked polyacrylic acid), acrylates copolymers, and polyurethanes. Natural thickeners include xanthan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, and cellulose derivatives (hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose). Regulatory scrutiny focuses on monomer residues in synthetic polymers and microplastic concerns under the EU Commission Regulation 2023/2055 (effective October 2023, with staggered compliance dates through 2035). This hub lists rheology modifier ingredients with their safety ratings and regulatory references.

Functional Categories
Skin Conditioning Ingredients Humectants in Cosmetics Emollient Ingredients in Cosmetics Antioxidants in Cosmetics Surfactants in Cosmetics Emulsifiers in Cosmetics Fragrance Ingredients in Cosmetics Cosmetic Colorants Cosmetic Preservatives UV Filters & Sunscreen Ingredients Hair Conditioning Ingredients Rheology Modifiers & Thickeners Active Cosmetic Ingredients Plant Extracts & Botanical Ingredients
Regulatory Clusters
Cosmetic Ingredients Flagged as Endocrine Disruptors Cosmetic Ingredients Listed Under California Proposition 65 Cosmetic Ingredients with SCCS Safety Opinions Cosmetic Ingredients with CIR Expert Panel Conclusions Cosmetic Ingredients with GHS Hazard Classification Cosmetic Ingredients with NOAEL Toxicological Data Cosmetic Ingredients Banned or Restricted Globally Cosmetic Ingredients with Sensitization Data Cosmetic Ingredients with Dermal Absorption Data Cosmetic Ingredients Restricted Under EU Regulation 1223/2009
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
Ingredient Safety
1,6-HDI/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Ethylenediamine Crosspolymer MODERATE
2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropane Sulfonic Acid (AMPS) GOOD
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate MODERATE
3-Hydroxybutyrate/3-Hydroxyhexanoate Copolymer EXCELLENT
3-Hydroxybutyrate/4-Hydroxybutyrate Copolymer EXCELLENT
4,4'-Isopropylidenediphenyl/Epichlorohydrin Copolymer Diacrylate MODERATE
4-PCA Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer EXCELLENT
7-Dehydrocholesterol GOOD
AMPS/HEMA Crosspolymer GOOD
Abietyl Alcohol MODERATE
Acacia Farnesiana Flower/Stem Extract POOR
Acacia Farnesiana Gum POOR
Acacia Seyal Gum Extract MODERATE
Acrylates Crosspolymer-3 EXCELLENT
Acrylates Crosspolymer-4 EXCELLENT
Acrylates Crosspolymer-6 EXCELLENT
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate/HEMA Crosspolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate/HEMA Crosspolymer-2 GOOD
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate/Steareth-30 Methacrylate Copolymer GOOD
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer GOOD
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer GOOD
Acrylates/C26-28 Olefin Copolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Ceteareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Ceteareth-25 Methacrylate/Methacrylamide Crosspolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Dimethyl Itaconate Crosspolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Laureth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer GOOD
Acrylates/PEG-4 Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Palmeth-25 Itaconate Copolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Steareth-20 Itaconate Copolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Steareth-30 Methacrylate Copolymer MODERATE
Acrylates/Steareth-50 Acrylate Copolymer GOOD
Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer GOOD
Acrylates/VP Crosspolymer EXCELLENT
Acrylic Acid/Acrylamidomethyl Propane Sulfonic Acid Copolymer GOOD
Acrylic Acid/Acrylonitrogens Copolymer MODERATE
Acrylic Acid/C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer GOOD
Acryloyl Dimethyl Taurate/Melamine/PEG-6 Methacrylate Crosspolymer MODERATE
Activated Clay GOOD
Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer GOOD
Adipic Acid/PPG-10 Copolymer MODERATE
Agarose GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 1 GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 23-A GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 27-B GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 3-A GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 3-B MODERATE
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 36 GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 37 GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 38-B MODERATE
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 38-D GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 38-F GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 39 MODERATE
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 39-A MODERATE
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 40 GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 40-A GOOD
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 40-B EXCELLENT
Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 40-C GOOD
Algin EXCELLENT
Alginic Acid EXCELLENT
Allyl Methacrylate POOR
Allyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer GOOD
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer EXCELLENT
Alumina GOOD
Aluminum Acetylacetonate MODERATE
Aluminum Behenate GOOD
Aluminum Butoxide MODERATE
Aluminum Caprylate GOOD
Aluminum Dibenzoate/Stearate Hydroxide GOOD
Aluminum Hydroxide Oxide EXCELLENT
Aluminum Hydroxy Bis-Methylene Bis-Di-T-Butylphenyl Phosphate MODERATE
Aluminum Isopropoxide MODERATE
Aluminum Isostearate GOOD
Aluminum Isostearates/Laurates/Palmitates GOOD
Aluminum Isostearates/Laurates/Stearates GOOD
Aluminum Isostearates/Myristates GOOD
Aluminum Isostearates/Palmitates GOOD
Aluminum Isostearates/Stearates GOOD
Aluminum Lanolate GOOD
Aluminum Myristate GOOD
Aluminum Myristates/Palmitates GOOD
Aluminum Stearates GOOD
Aluminum Tristearate EXCELLENT
Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate EXCELLENT
Ammonium AMPS GOOD
Ammonium Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer GOOD
Ammonium Acrylates/Methylstyrene/Styrene Copolymer GOOD
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer EXCELLENT
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Steareth-8 Methacrylate Copolymer GOOD
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer GOOD
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vinyl Formamide Copolymer GOOD
Ammonium Alginate EXCELLENT
Ammonium Sulfate GOOD
Amylodextrin EXCELLENT
Amylopectin EXCELLENT
Amylose EXCELLENT
Aphanothece Sacrum Exopolysaccharides EXCELLENT
Arrowroot Powder EXCELLENT
Astragalus Gummifer Root Extract GOOD
Avena Sativa Starch MODERATE
Bacillus/Cladosiphon Okamuranus/Soybean Ferment Filtrate MODERATE
Behenamide GOOD
Beheneth-25 Methacrylate GOOD
Behenyl Beeswax MODERATE
Bentonite EXCELLENT
Benzyl Dimethylamino Morpholinophenyl Butanone MODERATE
Benzylidene Sorbitol GOOD
Beta-Sitosteryl (Octadecene/MA) Copolymer GOOD
Biotite MODERATE
Bis-(C12-14 Alkyl PPG-2) Hexamethylenediurea MODERATE
Bis-Adamantanyl PEG-2300 Dicarboxamide GOOD
Bis-Adamantyl PEG-800 Dicarboxamide GOOD
Bis-Arachidyl PEG-400/SMDI Copolymer GOOD
Bis-Benzyl Butylene Glycol/IPDI Copolymer GOOD
Bis-Benzyl Undecanoate Dimethicone GOOD
Bis-C16-20 Isoalkoxy TMHDI/PEG-90 Copolymer MODERATE
Bis-Decyltetradecanyl IPDI/PEG-795 Copolymer MODERATE
Bis-Dioctadecylamide Dimer Dilinoleic Acid/Ethylenediamine Copolymer MODERATE
Bis-Ethylhydroxycyclohexyl Methacrylate Dimethicone/Butyl Acrylate Crosspolymer GOOD
Bis-Lauryl Cocaminopropylamine/HDI/PEG-100 Copolymer EXCELLENT
Bis-Lauryl Lactate IPDI/PEG-2 Soyamine Copolymer MODERATE
Bis-Lauryldimoniumhydroxyethyl Bromide (PEG-220/SMDI Copolymer) MODERATE
Bis-Methoxy PEG-10 Dimethyl MEA/HDI/Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone Copolymer MODERATE
Bis-Methoxy PEG-10 Poly(Tetramethylxylene Diisocyanate) MODERATE
Bis-Methoxy PEG-13 PEG-438/PPG-110 SMDI Copolymer MODERATE
Bis-Methoxy PEG-13 PEG-502/PPG-57/SMDI Copolymer MODERATE
Bis-Methoxy PEG-20 Polycaprolactone/HDI Copolymer MODERATE
Bis-Methoxy PEG-40 Polyepsilon Caprolactone MODERATE
Bis-Methylisocytosine Hydrogenated Polybutadiene/IPDI Copolymer MODERATE
Bis-Stearyl IPDI/PEG-795 Copolymer GOOD
Bis-Stearyl PEG/PPG-8/6 SMDI/PEG-400 Copolymer GOOD
Bispolyethylene Dimethicone EXCELLENT
Butadiene/Acrylonitrile Copolymer GOOD
Butane GOOD
Butanediol/Adipic Acid Copolymer GOOD
Butene/Propylene Copolymer GOOD
Butoxyhydroxypropyl Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose GOOD
Butyl Acrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer GOOD
Butyl Acrylate/Isopropylacrylamide/PEG-18 Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer MODERATE
Butyl Benzoic Acid/Phthalic Anhydride/Trimethylolethane Copolymer GOOD
Butyl Polydimethylsiloxyl Ethylene/Propylene/Vinylnorbornene Copolymer MODERATE
Butylated Polyoxymethylene Urea MODERATE
Butylene/Ethylene Copolymer GOOD
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer GOOD
Butyloctyl Candelillate GOOD
C1-5 Alkyl Galactomannan MODERATE
C1-8 Alkyl Acrylate MODERATE
C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate GOOD
C10-30 Alkyl Methacrylate GOOD
C10-40 Hydroxyalkyl Acid Cholesterol Esters MODERATE
C10-40 Isoalkyl Acid Cholesterol Esters GOOD
C10-40 Isoalkyl Acid Octyldodecanol Esters GOOD
C11-14 Isoparaffin GOOD
C12-13 Alkyl Methacrylate MODERATE
C12-16 Alkoxy Hydroxypropyl Ethyl Hydroxyethylcellulose GOOD
C12-16 Alkyl PEG-2 Hydroxypropyl Hydroxyethyl Ethylcellulose GOOD
C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer GOOD
C14-16 Isoparaffin EXCELLENT
C18-22 Alkyl PEG-25 Methacrylate GOOD
C18-22 Alkyl PEG-25 Methacrylate/Diethylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer GOOD
C18-22 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxypropyl Guar GOOD
C18-38 Alkyl C24-54 Acid Ester GOOD
C20-40 Alkyl Crylene MODERATE
C22-28 Alkane MODERATE
C24-28 Alkyl Dimethicone EXCELLENT
C24-30 Olefin GOOD
C26-28 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane POOR
C3-11 Alkyl Acrylate MODERATE
C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane GOOD
C30-60 Alkyl Dimethicone MODERATE
C32 Alkyl Dimethicone EXCELLENT
C4-24 Alkyl Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone Crosspolymer MODERATE
C5-8 Alkyl Acrylate GOOD
C6-14 Perfluoroalkylethyl Acrylate/HEMA Copolymer POOR
C8-12 Acid Triglyceride EXCELLENT
C8-9 Isoparaffin GOOD
C9-12 Isoparaffin GOOD
C9-13 Isoparaffin EXCELLENT
CD Alcohol 19 MODERATE
Calcium Acrylate MODERATE
Calcium Carboxymethyl Cellulose EXCELLENT
Calcium Carrageenan GOOD
Calcium Chitosan GOOD
Calcium Montanate GOOD
Calcium Potassium Carbomer GOOD
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate GOOD
Calcium Starch Isododecenylsuccinate GOOD
Calcium Starch Octenylsuccinate GOOD
Candelilla Cera Hydrocarbons GOOD
Candelilla Wax Hydrocarbons GOOD
Candida Utilis Cell Wall GOOD
Caprylamide MEA MODERATE
Carbenia Benedicta Extract MODERATE
Carbomer EXCELLENT
Carbomer/Papain Crosspolymer MODERATE
Carbon Dioxide MODERATE
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Acetate Butyrate MODERATE
Carboxymethyl Chitin MODERATE
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