Carbomer Interpolymer is a synthetic, crosslinked acrylic polymer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations primarily as a thickener, rheology modifier, suspending agent and stabilizer. It belongs to a specialized group of Carbomer materials designed to provide efficient viscosity control and formulation stability in aqueous, emulsion and surfactant-containing systems.
Carbomer Interpolymer differs from conventional Carbomer Homopolymer because its polymer architecture incorporates additional polymeric components. The USP description identifies Carbomer Interpolymer as a Carbomer homopolymer or copolymer containing a block copolymer of polyethylene glycol and a long-chain alkyl acid ester. The USP classification includes Type A, Type B and Type C materials.
Carbomer Interpolymer can swell in water and develop substantial viscosity after appropriate hydration and neutralization. This property allows formulators to control the rheology, consistency and physical stability of finished products.
Commercial examples include Carbopol® Ultrez 10, identified as Carbomer Interpolymer Type A, and Carbopol® ETD 2020, identified as Carbomer Interpolymer Type B. Lubrizol lists these polymers for applications including lotions, creams and gels.
Carbomer Interpolymer provides efficient viscosity enhancement in suitable aqueous formulations. Its crosslinked structure expands after hydration and neutralization, creating a polymer network that increases formulation viscosity.
The polymer can provide controlled flow behavior and formulation structure. Different interpolymer grades have different viscosity characteristics, allowing selection according to the required product texture and rheological profile.
The viscosity and yield value generated by Carbomer Interpolymer can help maintain suitable dispersed ingredients in a more uniform state. This makes it useful in selected suspension and emulsion systems.
Carbomer Interpolymer can improve the physical stability of suitable emulsions by increasing the viscosity of the continuous phase and helping control movement of dispersed components.
Carbomer Interpolymer can be used in creams, lotions, moisturizers, gels and serums where viscosity control, texture and formulation stability are required.
Selected grades can be used in hair-care and cleansing formulations where thickening, suspension and stabilization are required. Carbopol ETD 2020, for example, is identified as a Carbomer Interpolymer Type B and is used for rheology modification and suspension applications.
Carbomer Interpolymer can produce structured gel systems after suitable dispersion and neutralization. It can be considered for clear or translucent gel formulations depending on the selected grade and complete formulation.
Carbomer Interpolymer should be dispersed uniformly before complete hydration and neutralization. Final viscosity is affected by polymer concentration, neutralization, pH, electrolytes, surfactants, solvents and other formulation ingredients.
Different Carbomer Interpolymer types have substantially different viscosity ranges. Published USP-related specifications identify approximately 45,000–65,000 mPa·s for Type A, 47,000–77,000 mPa·s for Type B, and 8,500–16,500 mPa·s for Type C under their respective test conditions. These values should not be treated as interchangeable specifications between grades.
Carbomer Interpolymer can be used in:
Carbomer Interpolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used for thickening, rheology modification, suspension and stabilization in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
It is used primarily for viscosity control, gel formation, suspension, rheology modification and stabilization of suitable cosmetic formulations.
Yes. Carbomer polymers are synthetic acrylic polymers used as gel-forming, thickening and viscosity-controlling materials.
The USP classification includes Carbomer Interpolymer Type A, Type B and Type C.
Carbomer Interpolymer Type A is an interpolymer grade associated with materials such as Carbopol® Ultrez 10. Lubrizol identifies Ultrez 10 NF as Carbomer Interpolymer Type A.
Carbomer Interpolymer Type B is associated with materials such as Carbopol® ETD 2020. It is used for rheology modification, thickening, suspension and stabilization.
The generic family CAS number 9007-20-9 is used for Carbomer Interpolymer Type A and Type B in FDA substance records. However, the CAS identifier should be matched to the exact polymer type and commercial grade.
No. Carbomer Homopolymer and Carbomer Interpolymer have different polymer architectures. Carbomer Interpolymer contains additional polymeric components and is classified separately in USP-related materials.
Yes. Lubrizol lists Carbomer Interpolymer grades for lotions, creams and gels.
The viscosity depends on the type and test conditions. Published USP-related specifications list 45,000–65,000 mPa·s for Type A, 47,000–77,000 mPa·s for Type B, and 8,500–16,500 mPa·s for Type C under their specified methods.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |