Carbomer is a high-molecular-weight, cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer widely used as a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient. It is primarily used as a thickener, rheology modifier, suspending agent, stabilizer and gel-forming agent in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
Carbomer is particularly valued for its ability to produce clear or translucent gels at relatively low use levels after suitable neutralization. Its rheological properties allow formulators to control viscosity, flow behavior and the physical stability of many aqueous formulations.
Depending on the specific grade and polymer structure, Carbomer can be used in:
Different Carbomer grades can provide different viscosity profiles, electrolyte tolerance, clarity, suspension performance and processing characteristics. Therefore, the specific polymer grade should be selected according to the formulation requirements.
Carbomer is a family of cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymers.
It consists primarily of polymerized acrylic acid that has been cross-linked with a suitable cross-linking agent. The resulting polymer has a highly expanded structure when properly dispersed and neutralized in water.
In its acidic form, Carbomer has limited viscosity. When neutralized using a suitable neutralizing agent, the polymer chains ionize and expand, resulting in significant thickening and gel formation.
This mechanism makes Carbomer useful for controlling the rheology and physical properties of aqueous cosmetic formulations.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Carbomer |
| Product Name | Carbomer |
| Chemical Class | Cross-linked Polyacrylic Acid Polymer |
| Polymer Type | Cross-linked acrylic acid polymer |
| Primary Function | Thickener |
| Secondary Functions | Gelling Agent, Rheology Modifier, Stabilizer, Suspending Agent |
| Typical Physical Form | Fine white powder |
| Color | Typically white |
| Water Compatibility | Dispersible in water |
| Ionic Character | Anionic after neutralization |
| Category | Cosmetic Ingredient |
| Molecular Weight | Polymer; grade-dependent |
| Molecular Formula | Polymer/grade-dependent |
| CAS Number | Grade-dependent |
Carbomer is a family of cross-linked polymers rather than one single molecular species. The CAS number can depend on the specific Carbomer grade and polymer composition. The exact CAS number should therefore be confirmed from the supplier's technical documentation for the particular grade.
Carbomer is based on a cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) structure.
The polymer contains numerous carboxylic acid groups. When these groups are neutralized, the polymer develops increased ionic character and the polymer network expands in water.
A simplified representation of the repeating acrylic acid unit is:
[-CH₂-CH(COOH)-]ₙ
The actual three-dimensional structure is cross-linked and considerably more complex than this simplified representation.
Carbomer's thickening mechanism is primarily associated with hydration, ionization and polymer-chain expansion.
The final viscosity depends on:
Carbomer is widely used as a high-efficiency thickener.
It can provide substantial viscosity at relatively low concentrations, depending on the selected grade and formulation conditions.
Potential applications include:
One of the most important characteristics of Carbomer is its ability to form gels after appropriate neutralization.
Carbomer can produce:
The final appearance and viscosity depend on polymer grade, concentration, neutralizing agent, pH and formulation composition.
Carbomer can modify the flow behavior of cosmetic formulations.
It can help control:
This makes Carbomer useful in formulations where controlled rheology is required.
Carbomer can contribute to suspension stability in suitable formulations.
Its thickening and yield-stress properties can help reduce settling of dispersed particles.
Potential applications include:
Actual suspension performance should be established through formulation testing.
Carbomer can contribute to the physical stability of certain emulsions by increasing the viscosity of the continuous phase.
It can be used in:
Carbomer is not necessarily the primary emulsifier; rather, its rheological properties can support emulsion stability when used with an appropriate emulsification system.
Carbomer is widely used in skin-care formulations.
Potential applications include:
It can provide desirable texture, viscosity and spreadability.
Carbomer is particularly useful for preparing aqueous and hydroalcoholic gel systems.
Potential benefits include:
The specific Carbomer grade should be selected according to the desired gel viscosity and formulation composition.
Carbomer can be used in cream and lotion formulations as a rheology modifier and stabilizing polymer.
Potential functions include:
Carbomer can be used to create gel-serum and aqueous serum textures.
It can help provide:
The grade should be selected according to the desired serum texture and clarity.
Carbomer can be used in selected hair-care formulations.
Potential applications include:
It can provide viscosity and rheological control.
Carbomer can be incorporated into selected cleansing formulations to control viscosity and texture.
Potential applications include:
Compatibility with surfactants and electrolytes should be evaluated because some Carbomer grades are sensitive to ionic ingredients.
pH is an important factor in Carbomer performance.
In the unneutralized state, Carbomer has relatively limited viscosity. As neutralization occurs, carboxyl groups become ionized and the polymer network expands.
The formulation's final pH therefore has a major effect on:
The optimal pH range depends on the specific Carbomer grade and complete formulation.
Carbomer generally requires appropriate neutralization to achieve its full thickening potential.
Possible neutralizing agents can include suitable:
The choice depends on the formulation and desired performance.
Neutralization should be controlled because excessive or insufficient neutralization can affect viscosity and product characteristics.
Electrolytes can significantly affect Carbomer viscosity.
Ionic ingredients may reduce polymer-chain expansion and therefore reduce viscosity.
Potentially important formulation components include:
For formulations containing significant electrolyte levels, a Carbomer grade with suitable electrolyte tolerance should be selected.
Different Carbomer grades can have different characteristics.
Grade selection may depend on:
Examples of commonly encountered Carbomer grade designations include:
The exact characteristics of these grades should be confirmed from the relevant manufacturer specification rather than assuming identical performance between grades.
Carbomer 940 is a commonly encountered high-viscosity Carbomer grade.
It can be considered for:
Actual viscosity and performance depend on concentration, neutralization and formulation conditions.
Carbomer 980 is another commonly encountered Carbomer grade used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation development.
Potential applications include:
The exact specification should be confirmed for the selected commercial material.
When formulating with Carbomer, consider:
A general Carbomer formulation process can include:
Prepare the required aqueous phase under controlled mixing conditions.
Gradually disperse Carbomer into the water while maintaining suitable agitation.
Allow the polymer to adequately hydrate and disperse.
Add compatible ingredients according to the formulation process.
Add a suitable neutralizing agent gradually while monitoring pH and viscosity.
Adjust the formulation to the required:
Evaluate:
Possible causes include:
Possible causes include:
Possible causes include:
Possible causes include:
Recommended storage considerations include:
Carbomer powder should be handled carefully to minimize airborne dust during processing.
Quality-control testing may include:
The exact testing requirements depend on the Carbomer grade.
Carbomer is an important cosmetic rheology modifier used in gels, creams, lotions, serums, cleansing products and other personal-care formulations.
When sourcing Carbomer, buyers should evaluate:
When sourcing Carbomer from India, buyers may evaluate:
For bulk procurement, the exact grade should be specified because different Carbomer grades can have substantially different rheological properties.
Procurement information may include:
Carbomer is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer widely used as a thickener, gelling agent, rheology modifier, stabilizer and suspending agent.
The INCI name is Carbomer.
Carbomer is primarily used for thickening, gel formation, rheology modification, suspension and formulation stabilization.
No. Carbomer is primarily a rheology-modifying polymer, not a surfactant.
Yes. It is widely used as a high-efficiency cosmetic thickener.
Yes. Properly dispersed and neutralized Carbomer can form a viscous gel.
Many Carbomer grades achieve their characteristic high viscosity after appropriate neutralization.
Yes. Carbomer is commonly used in suitable face-gel formulations.
Yes. It can be used as a rheology modifier and formulation stabilizer in suitable cream systems.
Yes. Carbomer can be incorporated into suitable lotion formulations to modify viscosity and flow.
Yes. It can be used in suitable gel-serum and aqueous serum formulations.
Yes. Selected Carbomer grades can be used in appropriate hair-care and shampoo formulations, particularly where rheology modification is required.
Yes. Carbomer can be used in suitable cleansing gels and face-wash formulations.
Yes. Electrolytes and salts can affect Carbomer viscosity, with some grades showing greater electrolyte sensitivity than others.
No. Carbomer is a cross-linked polymer family, so its molecular characteristics depend on the specific grade and polymer structure.
No universal CAS number should be assumed for every Carbomer grade. The appropriate CAS number should be verified against the specific commercial grade.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |