Carbomer

Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid, crosslinked with polyalkenyl ethers or divinyl glycol, first commercialized by Lubrizol under the Carbopol trade name. The Carbopol 980 NF grade is a homopolymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with allyl sucrose, renowned for producing exceptionally clear, high-viscosity gels at very low use concentrations (typically 0.3–1.0%) once neutralized with a base such as sodium hydroxide or triethanolamine, which ionizes the carboxylic acid groups and causes the polymer chains to swell and unfold. Formulators prize it for its outstanding ability to suspend insoluble particles and actives within a gel matrix, its precise rheology control yielding a high yield value that prevents sedimentation, and its compatibility with a broad range of cosmetic actives.