thickeners

Carbomer

Carbopol

thickenerviscosity modifieremulsifierfilm former
CAS Number:9007-20-9

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.

Controls product consistency
Improves application experience
Stabilizes suspensions and emulsions
Creates desired texture profiles

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 CHLORIDEUse Cautionelectrolyte_gel_collapse

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 CHLORIDEUse Cautionelectrolyte_gel_collapse

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 CHLORIDEUse Cautionelectrolyte_gel_collapse

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 CHLORIDEUse Cautionelectrolyte_gel_collapse

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 CHLOROHYDRATEUse Cautionelectrolyte_gel_collapse

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.

Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

4/10

Biodegradability

not readily biodegradable

Source

synthetic

Feedstock

petroleum-derived acrylic acid

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