Gel forming

The gelling ingredients help transform the liquid base into a denser, firmer, and more uniform texture. They form a spatial grid in the water, due to which the product becomes a gel or gel cream, is better distributed over the skin and hair, does not spread and is more conveniently dosed. Such components noticeably affect, first of all, the texture, stability and sensory properties of the formula: the product may feel fresher, smoother and more comfortable to apply. In skin care, this is especially important for serums, cleanser gels, after—sun products and topical products, and in hair products for styling and modeling formulas. Information about cosmetic ingredients and their labeling is regulated by the FDA, and the ingredients themselves are listed on the label in descending order of content. (fda.gov)

Typical examples of such substances are Carbomer and Xanthan Gum. Carbomers are widely used to create transparent gels and viscous aqueous systems; these are well-known polymer thickeners and structure-forming agents, including those used in gel forms. Xanthan gum is a natural polysaccharide that works as a thickener and stabilizer, helping to control viscosity and maintain a uniform texture of aqueous cosmetic products. By themselves, such ingredients are usually not the main "asset" of care, but they make the formula more stable, improve application and help the active ingredients to be distributed more evenly over the surface of the skin or hair. (pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)