Glossary · Formulation
What Is Thickener (Rheology Modifier)?
A thickener, or rheology modifier, is an ingredient that changes how a product flows: raising viscosity, suspending particles or building a gel structure. Carbomers, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives and certain clays are common, and each behaves differently under shear, which changes how the product feels as it spreads.
Why it matters when you source
Thickeners decide the difference between a serum that runs off the palm and one that holds, at the same active content. When a sample feels wrong, ask which rheology modifier is used and at what percentage before changing anything else in the formula.
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