Carbomer

Gives the texture.

What it is

A polymer made in a lab from acrylic acid. Polymers are large molecules built from many repeating units.

Turns liquids into gels, thickens the product and keeps oil and water from separating.

A short summary from the dictionary, not yet an in-depth article. About these entries

Gives the textureOfficial EU function: Gel forming

Helps oil and water mixOfficial EU function: Emulsion stabilising