Carbomers are the most commonly used thickener for cosmetics. They consist of a high molecular weight polymer with acrylic acid as a phase stabilizer. Carbomer is also commonly referred to as polyacrylic acid (PAA). The major differences among Carbomer products are the viscosity, and the solvents and crosslinking agents used in manufacturing. Carbomer codes (e.g., 940, 941, 980, 981, etc.) are an indication of molecular weight and the specific components of the polymer.
Carbomers will absorb and retain fluid. They are used as a thickening, mixing and emulsion stabilizers in a variety of products such as gels, creams, lotions, shampoos and cleansers. Their role in cosmetics is to suspend solid in liquids, prevent emulsions from separating and control the consistency in flow.
In aqueous solution at neutral pH, Carbomers are anionic polymers, i.e. many of the side chains of polyacrylic acid will lose their protons and acquire a negative charge. This makes Carbomers polyelectrolytes, with the ability to absorb and retain water and swell to many times their original volume.
Carbomers are neutralized in an alkaline solution and yield a clear gel.
In dry form, Carbomers are white, fluffy powders.
Silver Fern Chemical, Inc., offers a line of Carbomers that economically and effectively substitute in for a range of Lubrizol Carbopol® Brand Carbomers.
| Silver Fern Carbomer Product Code | CAS # | Lubrizol Carbopol Brand Equivalent | Appearance | Viscosity, cP (0.5wt% at pH 7.5 | Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF-CB-940 | 9003-01-4 | Carbopol 940 | Powder | 40,000-60,000 | High viscosity, High clarity, Short flow properties, High suspending ability | Clear hydroalcoholic gels, Hair styling gels, Moisturizing gels, Lotions, Creams, Shampoos, Body washes, Bath gels |
| SF-CB-941 | 9003-01-4 | Carbopol 941 | Powder | 4,000-11,000 | High viscosity, High clarity, Long flow properties, High suspending ability | Lotions, Creams, Clear gels, Hydroalcoholic gels, Moderately ionic systems |
| SF-CB-980 | 9003-01-4 | Carbopol 980 | Powder | 40,000-60,000 | High viscosity, High clarity, Short flow properties, High suspending ability | Clear hydroalcoholic gels, Moisturizing gels, Lotions, Creams, Suncreen lotions, Hair styling gels, Shampoos, Body washes |
| SF-CB-981 | 9003-01-4 | Carbopol 981 | Powder | 4,000-11,000 | High viscosity, High clarity, Long flow properties, High suspending ability | Lotions, Creams, Clear gels, Hydroalcoholic gels, Moderately ionic systems |
| SF-CB-1342 | 9007-20-9 | Carbopol 1342 | Powder | 7,500-15,200 | High clarity, Rich creamy feel, High compatibility with anionic surfactants, Suspending ability | Hydroalcoholic gels, Shampoos, Cleaning products, Clear gels |
| SF-CB-1382 | 9007-20-9 | Carbopol 1382 | Powder | 25,000-45,000 (1.0 wt%) | High clarity, Rich creamy feel, High compatibility with anionic surfactants, Suspending ability | Lotions, Creams, Gels, Body wash, Facial care, Cleansers, Shampoo, Hair Styling products, Sun care |
| SF-CB-SW 10 | 195739-91-4 | Carbopol Ultrez 10 | Powder | 45,000-65,000 | Rapid self-wetting and dispersion, High viscosity, Light feel on skin, Short flow characteristics, Suspending agent | Bath gels, Hydroalcoholic gels, Lotions, Creams, Sunscreen |
| SF-CB-GD-2020 | 176429-87-1 | Carbopol ETD-2020 | Powder | 47,000-77,000 (1.0 wt%) | Easy to disperse version of HK-1342, High clarity, Rich creamy feel, High compatibility with anionic surfactants, Suspending ability | Hydroalcoholic gels, Clear gles, Shampoos, Cleaning products |
| SF-CB-990 | 9003-01-4 | Carbopol 990 | Powder | 45,000-65,000 | Suspending agent, Highly efficient thickening, suspending & stabilizing, High viscosity, High clarity, Short flow property | Hydroalcoholic gels, Hair styling gels, Shampoos, Body wash, Alcohol fuel gels |
| SF-CB-676 | 210823-49-7 | Carbopol 676 | Powder | 45,000-80,000 | High viscosity, Suspending ability | Dish care, Surface care, Fabric Care, Gelled fuels |
© Silver Fern Chemical, Inc. 2019
