Carbomer 970 is a high-viscosity crosslinked polyacrylate polymer used as a cosmetic rheology modifier, thickening agent, suspending agent and stabilizer. It is designed for formulations where strong viscosity development, short-flow rheology and good suspension performance are required.
Carbomer 970 is supplied as a white powder and develops its thickening capability after dispersion and neutralization. Its short-flow or non-drip rheological behavior can be useful for gels, creams and other personal-care formulations where controlled product consistency is required.
The material is commonly used in clear gels, hydroalcoholic gels, moisturizing formulations, creams and selected personal-care products. Its performance depends on polymer concentration, neutralization, pH, electrolytes, solvent composition and processing conditions.
Carbomer 970 is a crosslinked polyacrylate polymer belonging to the Carbomer family. It contains acrylic acid-derived polymeric structures that form a three-dimensional network after crosslinking.
When dispersed in a suitable formulation medium and neutralized with an appropriate neutralizing agent, Carbomer 970 swells and produces high viscosity. This makes it useful for controlling texture, consistency, flow and suspension characteristics.
Commercial Carbomer 970 grades can differ according to manufacturer and production process. Some supplier information describes Carbomer 970 as being polymerized in a cosolvent system containing ethyl acetate and cyclohexane. Therefore, the actual supplier TDS and COA should be used to establish the exact grade-specific specification for a supplied batch.
Carbomer 970 can provide efficient viscosity development at relatively low concentrations. Its short-flow rheology can help create structured, non-dripping formulations with controlled application characteristics.
It can be incorporated into formulations requiring:
After dispersion and neutralization, the polymer can produce a clear or highly transparent gel depending on the formulation system, polymer grade and processing conditions.
The final viscosity is influenced by concentration, pH, neutralization level, ionic ingredients and other formulation components.
Carbomer 970 can be used as a formulation-support ingredient in different skin-care products. Its main purpose is to control the physical characteristics of the formulation rather than provide a direct skin-conditioning effect.
Potential applications include:
Its high viscosity and short-flow profile can help formulators produce products that remain structured during application while maintaining a controlled dispensing profile.
Carbomer 970 is a crosslinked polymer rather than a conventional small-molecule soluble ingredient. It should be properly dispersed in the selected formulation medium to allow effective hydration.
Uniform dispersion is important because poorly dispersed polymer can form lumps and reduce the consistency of the final gel.
Carbomer 970 should generally be added gradually under controlled mixing conditions. Excessive or unsuitable shear can influence the final rheological characteristics.
After adequate hydration, neutralization can be performed using a suitable neutralizing agent. The neutralization process causes polymer expansion and viscosity development.
The final viscosity of Carbomer systems is strongly influenced by pH and neutralization. Supplier technical information for the 970G grade reports viscosity testing at pH 7.3–7.8.
The optimum final pH should be selected according to the complete formulation and compatibility requirements of other ingredients.
Carbomer 970 has relatively low electrolyte tolerance. Salts and other ionic ingredients can reduce viscosity or modify the rheological behavior of the polymer system.
Formulation compatibility testing is recommended when using significant levels of electrolytes, mineral salts or ionic active ingredients.
Carbomer 970 should be stored in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry environment and protected from excessive moisture.
The exact storage temperature, humidity conditions and shelf life should follow the specification supplied for the particular commercial grade.
Carbomer 970 can be used in:
Supplier information specifically identifies Carbomer 970 for clear gels, hydroalcoholic gels, hand sanitizing gels and creams. It is also described as a high-efficiency thickener and suspending polymer with short-flow characteristics.
Carbomer 970 is a crosslinked polyacrylate polymer used primarily as a high-efficiency thickener, rheology modifier, suspending agent and stabilizer.
The INCI name is Carbomer.
It is used for viscosity control, gel formation, suspension, stabilization and texture modification in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
Yes. Carbomer 970 is commonly used in clear gels and other high-viscosity gel systems.
Yes. Commercial Carbomer 970 grades are used in cream and personal-care formulations where high viscosity and short-flow characteristics are desired.
For the published NM-Carbomer 970G specification, viscosity is reported as 40,000–60,000 mPa·s at 0.5 wt%, pH 7.3–7.8 under the specified test conditions. This should not automatically be applied to every commercial Carbomer 970 grade.
CAS identification can vary across Carbomer databases and commercial grades. 9003-01-4 and 9007-20-9 are both encountered for Carbomer materials. For the specific Carbomer 970 supplied by SDP, the supplier's COA/TDS should be treated as the controlling identification document.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |