Carbomer

Carbomer (CAS 9007-20-9), marketed as Carbopol, is a high-molecular-weight crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used as a rheology modifier and thickening agent.

Where is Carbomer used?

• Personal care: primary thickener in hand gels, facial cleansers, hair styling gels and moisturizing creams
• Pharmaceuticals: gelling agent and controlled-release matrix in topical drugs and ophthalmic gels
• Oral suspensions: maintains uniform particle distribution
• Adhesives and sealants: thickener and stabilizer controlling application viscosity and preventing sagging
• At low concentrations it builds viscosity and gel structure in personal care, pharmaceutical and industrial formulations.

Good to know: Carbomer 940 is favored in clear gel applications for its high clarity. Grades include Carbomer 940, 941, 980 and 981, differentiated by viscosity profile and crosslinking density.

Commercial specifications

• Standard grades to USP, NF, BP and Ph. Eur. specifications
• Packaging from small drums to bulk quantities