Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Carbomer vegan?
Also known as: Polyacrylic acid, Carbopol
Vegan
Suitable for a vegan diet.
Yes — Carbomers are fully synthetic, high-molecular-weight polymers of acrylic acid.
01 · The basics
What is Carbomer?
A series of polymers primarily used as thickening, dispersing, and suspending agents in cosmetics to create gel-like textures.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
Carbomers are fully synthetic, high-molecular-weight polymers of acrylic acid. They are not derived from animals.
03 · Alternatives
Best vegan alternatives
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Frequently asked
FAQ
Are hair gels with carbomer vegan?
Yes, carbomer itself is synthetic and vegan. You just need to check the gel for other non-vegan additives like silk or keratin.
Is carbomer a microplastic?
It is a liquid synthetic polymer, but it is typically water-soluble and not currently classified as a solid microplastic.
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