CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel reviewed acute oral studies showing that Carbomer polymers have low toxicities when ingested. Minimal skin irritation and no to moderate eye irritation were observed. Subchronic feeding studies with a Carbomer polymer resulted in lower than normal body weights, but no abnormal changes were observed in the organs. Some gastrointestinal irritation and marked pigment deposition within specific cells in the liver, called Kupffer cells, were seen in studies with Carbomer. Clinical studies with Carbomers showed that these polymers have low potential for skin irritation and sensitization at concentrations up to 100%. A Carbomer polymer demonstrated low potential for phototoxicity and photo-contact allergenicity.

The Carbomers may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/documents/di...

The Carbomers are synthetic, high molecular weight, nonlinear polymers of acrylic acid, cross-linked with a polyalkenyl polyether. Carbomers function as thickening, dispersing, suspending and emulsifying agents in cosmetics and personal care products. They are widely used to provide emulsion stability.