Carbomer (Carbopol®)
INCI Name: Carbomer
Carbomer (commonly known by the trade name Carbopol®) is a high-performance synthetic polymer widely used as a thickening, gelling, stabilizing, and suspending agent in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It produces crystal-clear gels with excellent viscosity while enhancing the texture and stability of creams, lotions, serums, and gels.
When properly neutralized with a suitable pH adjuster such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), triethanolamine (TEA), or aminomethyl propanol (AMP), Carbomer swells to form smooth, elegant gels with excellent spreadability and skin feel.
Benefits
* Creates clear, smooth gels
* Thickens water-based formulations
* Stabilizes emulsions
* Suspends insoluble particles and exfoliants
* Improves product texture and consistency
* Effective at very low concentrations
Common Applications
* Facial gels
* Moisturizing gels
* Aloe vera gels
* Serums
* Creams and lotions
* Hair styling gels
* Hand sanitizers
* Acne treatments
* After-sun gels
Usage Rate
* 0.1–0.3% – Light serums and fluid gels
* 0.3–0.6% – Medium-viscosity gels and lotions
* 0.6–1.0% – Thick gels and high-viscosity formulations
Note:
* Disperse in water before neutralization.
* Neutralize to approximately pH 5.5–7.0 to achieve maximum viscosity.
* Avoid excessive electrolytes, as high salt levels can reduce viscosity.
Appearance: White fluffy powder
Solubility: Dispersible in water (requires neutralization to form a gel)
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container away from moisture.
The typical cosmetic use level is 0.1–1.0%, depending on the desired viscosity and the specific Carbomer grade. Carbopol® polymers are commonly used to create clear gels, stabilize emulsions, and provide elegant texture in skincare and haircare formulations.
