WHAT IS CARBOMER? SPECIFICATIONS, USES & APPLICATIONS

Carbomer is widely used as a thickening and gelling agent in various industries, including detergents, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Carbomer is a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer widely used as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent in cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations.

Carbomer polymers are particularly valued for their ability to provide high viscosity at relatively low concentrations, making them important raw materials in the production of transparent gels, creams, lotions, and other water-based formulations.

Our registered EDGEL Carbomer product range offers customers different grades with viscosity ranges suitable for various industries, providing a competitive balance of quality and cost.

As a supplier of Carbomer raw materials, ACTA Chemicals offers EDGEL Carbomer grades for manufacturers seeking efficient viscosity control and formulation stability. CARBOMER TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Chemical Name: Polyacrylic Acid

Chemical Formula: Carbomer is a crosslinked polyacrylic acid. Its general chemical formula can be expressed as (C₃H₄O₂)n. The exact formula of Carbomer may vary depending on the crosslinking agents and modifications used.

CAS Number: 9003-01-4

Color: White

Physical Form: Powder

pH: 2.7–3.5 in a 0.5% aqueous solution

Shelf Life: 2 years

WHY CHOOSE EDGEL 50 CARBOMER?

EDGEL 50 solutions do not exhibit significant changes in viscosity or stability at elevated temperatures.

EDGEL 50 Carbomer is a thickening agent developed for aqueous solutions. These solutions are pseudoplastic and non-thixotropic. The gel structure breaks down easily under shear and returns to its original state afterward.

EDGEL 50 is a Carbomer grade particularly suitable for transparent gel formulations, optimized for clarity, ease of use, and reduced foaming.

EDGEL 50 Carbomer demonstrates high efficiency and acts as an effective agent for emulsion stabilization and the stable suspension of solid particles.

It is used in hair care and skincare formulations, including gels, lotions, and creams.

Compared with competing products, EDGEL 50 provides a more stable Carbomer-based finished product, offering high transparency and resistance to color changes.

EDGEL 50 CARBOMER FOR TRANSPARENT GEL FORMULATIONS

For manufacturers developing transparent cosmetic gels, selecting the appropriate Carbomer grade is essential for achieving the desired viscosity, clarity, and stability.

EDGEL 50 Carbomer is designed for formulations where transparency, rheological performance, and consistent product appearance are important.

Its thickening and stabilizing characteristics make it suitable for a variety of cosmetic and personal care applications requiring controlled viscosity and a uniform gel structure.

CARBOMER APPLICATIONS

Carbomer is used across multiple industries as a thickening agent, gelling agent, viscosity modifier, and formulation stabilizer.

1. COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Carbomer is widely used in cosmetic and personal care manufacturing to provide the desired viscosity, texture, and stability.

Common applications include:

• Moisturizing Creams and Lotions

• Hair Care Products

• Creams and Serums

• Sunscreen Formulations

• Makeup Products
  

In cosmetic formulations, Carbomer helps manufacturers achieve the required consistency and rheological characteristics in a wide range of water-based products.

2. PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

Carbomer is also used in pharmaceutical applications, including:

• Topical Gels

• Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

• Ophthalmic Gels
  

3. HOUSEHOLD AND CLEANING PRODUCTS

Carbomer is used in household and cleaning product formulations, including:

• Dishwashing and Laundry Detergents

• Hand Soaps and Disinfectants
  

Carbomers are particularly suitable for the production of products such as chafing dish fuels (flammable, alcohol-based transparent gels), cosmetics (especially hair styling gels), and ultrasound gels.

Depending on the desired viscosity, Carbomer can be used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1%.

One of the main reasons for the widespread use of Carbomer is its ability to provide very high viscosity even at relatively low concentrations, such as 0.5%, while delivering the desired stability in formulations.

CARBOMER AS A THICKENING AND GELLING AGENT

Carbomer is an important ingredient for manufacturers seeking efficient viscosity development in cosmetic, personal care, and industrial formulations.

Its ability to produce high-viscosity systems at low usage levels makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including hair styling gels, skincare gels, cosmetic creams, lotions, and specialty gel formulations.

The appropriate Carbomer grade and concentration should be selected according to the desired viscosity and formulation requirements.

WHY USE CARBOMER IN DISINFECTANT GELS?

The use of Carbomer in disinfectant gels improves product viscosity and stability, making the product easier to use.

Carbomer transforms disinfectant solutions into gel form, allowing the product to spread more effectively on the skin and remain effective for a longer period.

This gel structure helps prevent the product from slipping during application and provides effective coverage.

Carbomer also supports low foam formation, helping prevent unwanted foaming and ensuring a clean application.

The gelling characteristics of Carbomer control the viscosity of disinfectant formulations, improving the user experience and product effectiveness.

CARBOMER FOR ALCOHOL-BASED GEL FORMULATIONS

Carbomer is used as a rheology modifier and gelling agent in compatible alcohol-based gel formulations.

Its viscosity-modifying characteristics help manufacturers achieve the desired gel consistency, application properties, and product appearance.

For disinfectant gel manufacturing, Carbomer grade selection and compatibility with the overall formulation are important considerations.

CARBOMER NEUTRALIZATION

To prevent lump formation, Carbomer is slowly added to water while mixing. After allowing sufficient time for the Carbomer to hydrate and swell in water, neutralization produces a transparent gel.

Depending on the intended application, suitable neutralizing agents can be selected from inorganic bases, such as:

• Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

• Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)

• Ammonium Hydroxide (NH₄OH)
  

Or organic amines, such as:

• Triethanolamine (TEA)

• Aminomethyl Propanol (AMP)

• Aminomethyl Propanediol (AMPD)
  

CARBOMER NEUTRALIZATION FOR VISCOSITY DEVELOPMENT

Neutralization is an important processing step in the preparation of Carbomer-based gel formulations.

The selection of the neutralizing agent depends on the intended application and formulation requirements.

Proper dispersion, hydration, and neutralization help achieve the desired gel structure, viscosity, and transparency.

EDGEL CARBOMER SUPPLIER – ACTA CHEMICALS

ACTA Chemicals supplies its registered EDGEL Carbomer product range for cosmetic, personal care, cleaning, and industrial manufacturing applications.

Our Carbomer portfolio offers different grades designed to meet various viscosity and formulation requirements.

Manufacturers looking for Carbomer raw materials, polyacrylic acid thickening agents, or Carbomer for transparent gel production can explore our EDGEL product range.

For detailed product information, technical specifications, and supply inquiries, please visit our EDGEL Carbomer product page.