Carbomer Copolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations primarily for viscosity control, gel formation and emulsion stabilization. It belongs to the carbomer family of polymeric ingredients and is designed to provide structure, consistency and rheological control in aqueous and emulsion-based formulations.
Carbomer Copolymer can swell in water and, after appropriate neutralization, develop a three-dimensional polymer network that increases formulation viscosity. This makes it useful for developing gels, creams, lotions, serums and other cosmetic products requiring controlled texture and stability.
Unlike a simple low-molecular-weight ingredient, Carbomer Copolymer is a crosslinked polymer. Its performance depends strongly on the polymer grade, crosslinking level, concentration, pH, neutralization system and other ingredients present in the formulation.
Carbomer Copolymer is used in cosmetic systems where formulators need efficient thickening and rheology modification without relying on large quantities of conventional gums. It can provide a smooth and structured consistency while also helping stabilize suitable emulsions and suspended materials.
Certain Carbomer Copolymer grades are based on acrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of polyfunctional alcohols, while specific commercial types can include additional acrylate components. Therefore, the exact composition should always be confirmed against the selected grade's technical documentation.
Carbomer Copolymer provides efficient viscosity control in water-based cosmetic formulations. After suitable hydration and neutralization, the polymer expands and forms a structured network that increases viscosity.
The polymer can produce clear or translucent gel structures depending on the grade and complete formulation. This makes it useful for cosmetic gels, serums and other products requiring a defined gel texture.
Carbomer Copolymer can improve the stability of suitable emulsions by increasing the viscosity of the continuous phase and helping maintain a more uniform distribution of dispersed components.
Carbomer Copolymer can be used in creams, lotions, moisturizers, facial gels and serums to provide viscosity, consistency and formulation stability.
Carbomer Copolymer is suitable for gel formulations where controlled rheology, smooth texture and stable product structure are required.
The performance of Carbomer Copolymer depends on polymer grade, concentration, pH, neutralization, electrolytes, surfactants and other formulation components. Excessive electrolytes can affect the viscosity of carbomer systems, while inappropriate neutralization can reduce the expected thickening performance.
The polymer should be properly dispersed before complete hydration and neutralization. Formulators should follow the processing recommendations of the selected commercial grade.
Because Carbomer Copolymer represents a crosslinked polymer category rather than one single discrete molecular structure, a universal molecular formula, molecular weight, viscosity and pH specification should not be assigned to every commercial grade.
Carbomer Copolymer can be used in:
Carbomer Copolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used in cosmetic formulations for viscosity control, gel formation and emulsion stabilization.
It is primarily used as a thickener, gelling agent, rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
Yes. Carbomer materials are synthetic acrylic polymers used as gel-forming, viscosity-controlling and emulsion-stabilizing ingredients.
Yes. It can significantly increase viscosity after suitable dispersion, hydration and neutralization.
Yes. Its crosslinked polymer structure can create a gel network in suitable aqueous formulations.
Yes. It can be incorporated into suitable cream and emulsion systems to control viscosity and improve physical stability.
Yes. It can provide controlled viscosity and gel structure in suitable serum and gel-serum formulations.
Many conventional carbomer systems develop their maximum thickening performance after appropriate neutralization. The recommended neutralizer and target pH depend on the specific grade.
The CAS number depends on the specific Carbomer Copolymer type. CAS 145687-02-1 is documented for Carbomer Copolymer Type A (allyl pentaerythritol crosslinked). It should not automatically be applied to every material sold under the general term Carbomer Copolymer.
No. Carbomer Homopolymer and Carbomer Copolymer represent different polymer types. Carbomer Homopolymer is based on acrylic acid polymerized and crosslinked as a homopolymer, while Carbomer Copolymer types can contain additional acrylate components.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |