Carbomer 971P is a high-performance crosslinked acrylic acid polymer used as a rheology modifier, thickening agent, suspending agent and stabilizer in cosmetic, personal-care and topical formulations. It is particularly useful when formulators require controlled viscosity, suspension performance and desirable flow characteristics at relatively low use levels.
Carbomer 971P is associated with the Carbomer Homopolymer Type A category and is manufactured using ethyl acetate as the polymerization solvent in the Carbopol 971P NF grade. It is supplied as a white, fluffy powder and develops its rheological properties after dispersion and suitable neutralization in aqueous systems.
Its formulation versatility makes Carbomer 971P suitable for gels, lotions, hydroalcoholic systems and other personal-care formulations where viscosity control and suspension are important.
Carbomer 971P is a crosslinked polyacrylic acid-based polymer belonging to the Carbomer family. The polymer contains acrylic acid-derived repeating units and a crosslinked three-dimensional structure that allows it to hydrate and swell in suitable formulation environments.
Carbomer 971P NF is identified as a Carbomer Homopolymer Type A under the USP/NF classification. It is also recognized under the broader compendial name Carbomers in the European Pharmacopoeia and India Pharmacopoeia.
The polymer is supplied as a dry, white, fluffy powder. When dispersed into an appropriate aqueous medium and neutralized, the polymer swells and produces significant viscosity. This enables formulators to control product consistency, flow, suspension and sensory characteristics.
Carbomer 971P can provide efficient viscosity modification in cosmetic formulations. Once properly dispersed and neutralized, its polymeric network increases the viscosity of the formulation and helps create a smooth and consistent texture.
It can be used where formulators need:
Carbomer 971P can be incorporated into water-based formulations and selected hydroalcoholic systems. Formulation conditions such as pH, electrolytes, polymer concentration, mixing conditions and neutralization can influence final viscosity.
Carbomer 971P can be used as a formulation-support ingredient in a variety of skin-care products. Its primary role is technological rather than a direct skin-conditioning activity.
Typical applications include:
In skin-care products, Carbomer 971P can contribute to a smooth, structured formulation and help maintain the desired consistency during use.
The polymer can also support suspension of selected insoluble or dispersed components, helping formulators achieve a more uniform finished product.
Carbomer 971P is supplied as a dry polymer powder rather than a conventional water-soluble small molecule. It disperses and swells in polar formulation media. Proper dispersion is important to achieve uniform hydration and avoid polymer agglomeration.
The polymer should be dispersed carefully into the formulation medium. Controlled addition and sufficient mixing can help minimize lump formation.
For aqueous systems, Carbomer 971P develops viscosity after hydration and suitable neutralization. The degree of neutralization and final formulation pH have a significant effect on the polymer's rheological performance.
Carbomer 971P develops its viscosity in a suitable pH environment following neutralization. The Carbopol 971P NF specification evaluates viscosity using a 0.5 wt% mucilage neutralized to pH 7.3–7.8.
Actual finished-product pH should be selected according to the complete formulation and the stability requirements of the other ingredients.
Carbomer systems can be sensitive to electrolytes and ionic ingredients. Higher ionic strength may reduce viscosity or change the rheological profile. Compatibility should therefore be evaluated during formulation development.
Carbomer 971P should be stored in a tightly closed container in a dry environment and protected from excessive moisture. The exact storage conditions and shelf life should follow the applicable supplier specification and packaging information.
Carbomer 971P can be considered for:
Lubrizol's technical information identifies Carbopol 971P NF for applications including lotions, gels and bioadhesive systems, with a 0.5 wt% aqueous viscosity range of 4,000–11,000 cP under the specified test conditions.
Carbomer 971P is a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer used primarily as a thickener, rheology modifier, suspending agent and stabilizer.
The INCI name is Carbomer.
Yes. Carbopol 971P NF is classified as Carbomer Homopolymer Type A under USP/NF.
It is used for viscosity modification, suspension, stabilization and texture control in cosmetic, personal-care and topical formulations.
Yes. Carbopol 971P NF is listed for gel applications and can provide viscosity and rheological structure when properly dispersed and neutralized.
For Carbopol 971P NF, the published specification is 4,000–11,000 cP at 0.5 wt%, 25°C, Brookfield RVT, 20 rpm, after neutralization to pH 7.3–7.8 using spindle #5.
Yes. Carbopol 971P NF is identified for lotion applications in Lubrizol's formulation guidance.
Yes. Carbopol 971P NF is listed for hydroalcoholic gel applications, although compatibility and final viscosity should be evaluated for the complete formulation.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |