Carbomer Homopolymer is a high-molecular-weight, crosslinked acrylic acid polymer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations primarily as a viscosity-controlling, thickening and gelling ingredient. It forms a water-swellable polymer network that can produce clear or translucent gels and provide structure, consistency and suspension properties to finished formulations.
Carbomer Homopolymer is produced by polymerizing acrylic acid and crosslinking the polymer with suitable polyfunctional crosslinking agents. USP defines Carbomer Homopolymer as a high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of pentaerythritol or allyl ethers of sucrose. The USP monograph specifies 56.0% to 68.0% carboxylic acid groups on a dried basis.
The crosslinked structure allows Carbomer Homopolymer to swell in water and develop viscosity after appropriate neutralization. This makes it useful for creating gels, improving formulation texture and maintaining the uniform distribution of suspended ingredients.
Carbomer Homopolymer is widely used in creams, lotions, gels, serums, cleansing products, sunscreens and other cosmetic formulations. Depending on the grade and formulation system, it can provide viscosity modification, emulsion stabilization, suspension and a smooth finished texture.
Carbomer Homopolymer is highly effective for increasing viscosity in water-based cosmetic systems. Even relatively low concentrations can produce substantial thickening after neutralization and hydration.
The polymer can create a stable gel matrix when properly dispersed, hydrated and neutralized. This makes it useful for cosmetic gels, serums and other formulations requiring a structured aqueous phase.
Carbomer Homopolymer can be used in moisturizers, creams, lotions, serums, facial gels and other skin-care formulations. It helps provide the desired consistency and contributes to formulation stability.
Carbomer Homopolymer is suitable for clear and translucent gel systems where controlled viscosity and a smooth application profile are required.
By increasing the viscosity of the continuous phase, Carbomer Homopolymer can help stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and reduce unwanted movement of dispersed droplets.
Its rheological properties can help maintain the uniform distribution of selected insoluble or dispersed ingredients within suitable formulations.
Carbomer Homopolymer should be dispersed carefully to avoid lump formation. Hydration, neutralization, pH, electrolyte concentration and the presence of surfactants or other formulation ingredients can significantly affect final viscosity.
Neutralization is particularly important because carbomer polymers develop their characteristic viscosity as the carboxylic acid groups become ionized and the polymer network expands.
The final performance depends on the specific Carbomer Homopolymer grade. Different grades can have substantially different viscosity characteristics, so the manufacturer's TDS and COA should be used when establishing formulation parameters.
Carbomer Homopolymer can be used in:
Carbomer Homopolymer is a high-molecular-weight crosslinked polymer of acrylic acid used primarily as a thickener, viscosity modifier and gelling agent.
The commonly used generic/family CAS number is 9007-20-9. Specific Carbomer Homopolymer types and grades can also have additional CAS identifiers, so the exact commercial grade should be checked against its documentation.
It is used for viscosity modification, gel formation, emulsion stabilization and suspension in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
Yes. Carbomer Homopolymer is widely used as a high-efficiency thickening and rheology-modifying polymer.
Yes. After suitable dispersion, hydration and neutralization, it can produce a stable gel structure.
Yes. It can be incorporated into suitable cream and emulsion formulations to control viscosity and improve stability.
Yes. It is commonly suitable for serum and gel-serum formulations requiring controlled viscosity and texture.
Carbomer Homopolymer generally develops its characteristic viscosity after appropriate neutralization. The recommended neutralizer and target pH depend on the specific grade and formulation.
The USP monograph specifies NLT 56.0% and NMT 68.0% carboxylic acid groups, calculated on the dried basis.
No. Carbomer Homopolymer includes different grades with different viscosity characteristics. FDA substance records, for example, distinguish grades with viscosity ranges such as 4,000–11,000 mPa·s and 40,000–60,000 mPa·s.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |