Carbomers are acrylic polymers used as cost-effective emulsifiers, stabilizers, or thickeners in skincare formulations. Its viscosity-building effect makes it suitable for use as a co-stabilizer in pharmaceutical and personal care applications. At the same time, its crystal-clear appearance also makes it ideal for use in hair gels.
Carbomer is a fine white acrylic powder used in hair gels, other gels, lotions, and creams. In addition, carbomer is tolerant of electrolytes and can be used in formulations with low pH values (AHA, DHA, whitening), as its efficacy range is 4-12.
It is also very resistant to high levels of ethanol or aminopropanol (up to 75 %), supporting the development of bactericide hand gels with a pleasant, smooth after-feel. The typical use level of carbomer is 0.1-0.5% depending on the type of formulation and final desired viscosity.
With sodium polyacrylate, the carbomer exhibits synergistic properties, a fresh, rapid-breaking effect balanced by a cushioning effect, and low-cost solutions for future gel, cream, and lotion formulations. In addition, it enhances skin penetration and can act as a delivery vehicle for active ingredients.When combined with other polymers or neutralized with Ca2+, Carbomers can form nanoparticles for advanced delivery systems. Nanoparticles enhance the stability and penetration of active ingredients while enabling their controlled release.
