For adults: Carbomer is widely used in lotions, gels and creams and is usually safe when used on normal, unbroken skin. Big safety reviews flag low health concerns for cancer or long-term effects, but they do note two things to watch for: irritation for sensitive people and the possibility of tiny amounts of manufacturing impurities.
Use products from well-known brands or those that say they test for impurities. Do a small patch test on a forearm before using a new product on a large area. Don’t apply carbomer-containing products to broken or sunburned skin. If you make or handle carbomer powder (unlikely for most users), avoid inhaling the dust and follow safety instructions.
Watch for redness, stinging, burning, watery eyes, or breathing irritation after use — stop use if these happen. The warnings come from ingredient safety reviews that list possible irritation and contamination concerns (including methacrylic acid, acrylic acid and benzene) and note limits or restrictions on use in some product safety programs. If you are worried about impurities, prefer products that disclose testing for contaminants or contact the brand for manufacturing and purity information.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Carbomer or its alternative names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Carbomer safety and effects.
Yes, Carbomer is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.
Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.
Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.
Carbomer is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product