This invention relates to chemical compositions comprising two thickening components, which are sclerotium gum and a copolymer selected from the group consisting of methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer and acryloyldimethyltaurate vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, in particular the ammonium salt of the latter which components provide good thickening properties in the presence of electrolytes, in particular in the presence of ethanolamine or vitamin salts. Further there are provided cosmetic formulations comprising these thickening components.