INCI Name
Carbomer
Functions
4 Roles
Sustainability
4/10
Category
thickeners
What It Does
A synthetic polymer that acts as a highly effective thickening and suspending agent in cosmetic formulations. It forms clear gels when neutralized and provides excellent texture enhancement in creams, lotions, and gels.
Technical Properties
pH Range
6.0-11.0
Optimal working range
Ionic Charge
anionic
Molecular charge type
Viscosity Effect
thickening
Impact on formula thickness
Foaming Ability
low
Lather generation
Ingredient Compatibility
Known Interactions
Sodium Chloride collapses Carbomer gel networks: the electrolyte screens the polymer's anionic charges, so viscosity drops sharply and the gel can break. If salt is needed (osmotic/sensorial), switch the thickener to a salt-tolerant rheology modifier (e.g. a Sclerotium/Xanthan gum or a salt-tolerant acrylates copolymer), or remove the sodium chloride.
Magnesium Chloride destabilizes Carbomer gels more aggressively than sodium: the divalent Mg2+ ion both screens and crosslinks the polymer's anionic groups, collapsing viscosity and often precipitating the carbomer. Thicken with a salt-tolerant rheology modifier (Sclerotium/Xanthan gum or a salt-tolerant acrylates copolymer) instead of carbomer, or remove the magnesium salt.
Calcium Chloride destabilizes Carbomer gels: the divalent Ca2+ ion screens and crosslinks the polymer's anionic charges, collapsing viscosity and risking precipitation. Switch to a salt-tolerant thickener (Sclerotium/Xanthan gum or a salt-tolerant acrylates copolymer), or remove the calcium salt.
Potassium Chloride collapses Carbomer gel networks the same way sodium chloride does: the electrolyte screens the polymer's anionic charges and viscosity drops sharply. Use a salt-tolerant rheology modifier (Sclerotium/Xanthan gum or a salt-tolerant acrylates copolymer), or remove the potassium chloride.
Aluminum Chlorohydrate is acidic and strongly polyvalent, so it collapses and precipitates Carbomer gels. Antiperspirant gels should be thickened with an aluminum-compatible rheology modifier (a suitable acrylates copolymer or a cellulose gum), not carbomer.
Sustainability Profile
Sustainability Score
Biodegradability
not readily biodegradable
Source
synthetic
Feedstock
petroleum-derived acrylic acid
Related Ingredients
Similar thickeners to explore
BTMS-50
Calcium Caseinate
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Multi-component emulsifying wax blend
Tricalcium Phosphate
Quick Reference
- Full INCI Name
- Carbomer
- Common Name
- Carbopol
- CAS Number
- 9007-20-9
- Category
- thickeners