Carbomer 971 is a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used as a high-efficiency thickener, rheology modifier, suspending agent and formulation stabilizer. It is particularly useful in cosmetic and personal-care formulations where controlled viscosity, structured texture and suspension performance are required.
Carbomer 971 is closely associated with the Carbomer Homopolymer Type A family. The well-established Carbopol 971P NF grade is a lightly crosslinked polymer supplied as a white, fluffy powder. It uses ethyl acetate as the polymerization solvent and develops viscosity after suitable dispersion, hydration and neutralization.
The material can be used in gels, lotions, creams, hydroalcoholic systems and other personal-care formulations. Its relatively high thickening efficiency allows formulators to obtain useful viscosity at comparatively low polymer concentrations.
Carbomer 971 is a high-molecular-weight, crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer. The crosslinked polymer structure allows the material to hydrate and swell when appropriately dispersed in a formulation medium.
After neutralization, the polymer expands and produces a three-dimensional rheological network. This network increases formulation viscosity and can help suspend dispersed materials while providing a controlled flow profile.
Carbopol 971P NF is classified as Carbomer Homopolymer Type A under USP/NF. Lubrizol identifies it as a lightly crosslinked polymer with ethyl acetate as the polymerization solvent.
Carbomer 971 can be used to develop viscosity and structure in cosmetic formulations. Its polymer network can improve formulation body while helping maintain dispersed components in a more uniform state.
It can support:
The final performance depends on polymer concentration, neutralization, pH, electrolyte concentration, mixing conditions and the other ingredients present in the formulation.
Carbomer 971 is particularly useful where formulators require a balance between viscosity development and manageable short-flow characteristics.
Carbomer 971 is primarily a formulation-functional ingredient rather than a direct skin-conditioning ingredient. It helps establish the physical structure and application characteristics of skin-care products.
Potential applications include:
In skin-care products, Carbomer 971 can contribute to a smooth and consistent texture and can help maintain the desired viscosity throughout the product.
Carbomer 971 is a crosslinked polymer rather than a conventional small-molecule ingredient. It should be dispersed carefully into the selected formulation medium to allow uniform hydration.
Proper dispersion helps prevent polymer lumps and allows the material to develop its intended rheological performance.
Carbomer 971 should generally be incorporated gradually under controlled mixing conditions. After dispersion and hydration, suitable neutralization can be used to develop the polymer's viscosity.
Processing conditions should be optimized according to the exact commercial grade and formulation composition.
pH has a major influence on Carbomer viscosity. Neutralization causes the polymer chains to expand, resulting in increased viscosity.
For Carbopol 971P NF, Lubrizol's viscosity specification is measured after neutralization to pH 7.3–7.8.
The final product pH should be selected based on the complete formulation and compatibility of all ingredients.
Carbomer systems can be sensitive to ionic ingredients. Electrolytes may reduce viscosity or alter the rheological profile.
Formulation compatibility testing is recommended when Carbomer 971 is combined with salts, mineral ingredients or other ionic materials.
Carbomer 971 should be stored in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry and well-ventilated environment and protected from moisture.
Actual storage conditions and shelf life should follow the specification for the particular commercial grade.
Carbomer 971 can be considered for:
Published technical information for Carbomer 971P identifies applications including gels, lotions, creams, suspensions and personal-care formulations. CSIR-IICT also describes Carbomer 971P for suspensions, personal care, gels, lotions and creams.
Carbomer 971 is a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used primarily as a thickener, rheology modifier, suspending agent and stabilizer.
The INCI name is Carbomer.
For the established Carbopol 971P NF grade, yes. It is classified as Carbomer Homopolymer Type A.
It is used for viscosity control, gel formation, rheology modification, suspension and stabilization in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
For Carbopol 971P NF, the published specification is 4,000–11,000 cP at 0.5 wt%, measured at 25°C after neutralization to pH 7.3–7.8.
Yes. Carbomer 971P is used for gel formulations and can provide significant viscosity after suitable dispersion and neutralization.
Yes. Carbomer 971P is used in lotions, creams and other personal-care formulations where viscosity and rheology control are required.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |