Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, an anionic compound, stabilizes and thickens suspensions, lubricating jellies, and topical emulsions. Sodium alginate, which consists mainly of the sodium salt of Alginic acid, produces aqueous solution that gel firmly on addition of small amounts of soluble calcium salts, e.g., gluconate, tartrate, or citrate. For example, in the presence of calcium citrate 3% solution yields a stable water-soluble jelly base.