Thickener

Thickeners are specialized viscosity-modifying ingredients added to obtain a required viscosity. Modern high-performance thickeners for aqueous, oil-based, and surfactant systems provide effective and efficient thickening at a minimal 0.5-2% use.

Mild and naturally derived thickeners are preferable. Some are even more effective than conventional thickeners and leave a pleasing residual feel, and they don't need neutralization.

There are hard-to-thicken formulations, such as those with high salt or Sarcosinate content or pH values, which need specialized ingredients effective at low concentrations. The modern personal care ingredients industry offers a wide range of thickeners that are able to function in almost any formulation.