Carbomer is widely used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It helps increase viscosity, providing a smooth and creamy texture to gels, lotions, and creams. Due to its ability to form clear gels, it is especially favored in transparent gel products such as hand sanitizers and facial gels. Carbomer also acts as a suspending agent, keeping insoluble solids dispersed throughout a liquid formulation. In topical drug delivery, it enhances the adherence of active ingredients to the skin, improving efficacy. Additionally, it is used in ophthalmic solutions to improve residence time on the eye surface. Its pH-responsive gelling properties make it useful in controlled-release systems where drug release is triggered by changes in pH.