Carbomer Series
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Carbomer is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid resin, synthesized by cross-linking pentaerythritol with acrylic acid. It stands as one of the most vital rheology modifiers in the cosmetic industry. Its molecular structure contains 52.0% to 68.0% acidic groups (carboxylic acid content), granting it exceptional hydrophilicity.
Once neutralized, Carbomer forms a superior gel matrix. At extremely low concentrations of 0.1% - 0.5%, it can replace traditional surfactants (3% - 7%) to achieve high-efficiency thickening, suspension, and emulsification. It is soluble in water, ethanol, and glycerol, functioning independently of HLB or PIT values to effectively stabilize various oil-in-water systems.
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BACKGROUND
As the first-generation high-transparency gel matrix, AC-Carbomer 940 was born in the 1980s to meet the demand for "crystal-clear visuals" in the high-end skincare market. At that time, cellulose-based thickeners struggled to balance high viscosity with clarity. Through an optimized molecular cross-linking process, 940 achieved a light transmittance of 90%+, becoming the gold standard for transparent serums and medical dressings. While its self-wetting time is approximately 60 minutes, its unparalleled clarity and "short rheology" remain the preferred choice for premium formulations.
DESCRIPTION
AC-Carbomer 940 (INCI: Carbomer) is a highly cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer. It exhibits exceptional thickening efficiency and suspending power in aqueous systems, forming crystal-clear gels. At pH 7.5 and 0.5%wt concentration, its viscosity reaches 40,000–70,000 mPa·s. It provides a refreshing, non-sticky skin feel with "short flow" characteristics, ensuring the product spreads quickly and evenly upon application.
ADVANTAGES
1.Ultimate Clarity -- Forms colorless, transparent gels with minimal bubbles; light transmittance ≥ 90%.
2.High Suspension -- Effectively stabilizes insoluble ingredients even at low usage levels.
3.Shear Resistance -- Maintains performance stability during high-speed stirring or pumping; resistant to degradation.
EFFICACIES
• Stable Thickening – Prevents phase separation and extends product shelf life
• Suspending Capability – Ensures homogeneous dispersion of active ingredients
• Enhanced Spreadability – Promotes even coverage of actives on skin
FAQ
Q1: Which Carbomer is optimal for hyaluronic acid serums?
A1: Carbomer 940 is recommended because:
• It perfectly showcases the crystalline clarity of HA serums
• Forms a gel film enabling sustained release of actives
• Its lightweight, non-tacky texture aligns with serum product requirements
Q2: What are the main differences between various Carbomer grades?
A2: Differences between Carbomer grades primarily lie in their rheological behavior, viscosity, clarity, and ionic tolerance, which also impact skin feel. For example:
940: Short rheology, high viscosity, high clarity, low ionic tolerance;
980: Short rheology, high viscosity, high clarity, moderate ionic tolerance;
U20: Long rheology, medium viscosity, high clarity, high ionic tolerance;
U21: Short rheology, low viscosity, high clarity.
Q3: What are the usage methods and precautions for Carbomer?
A3:
Usage Methods:
Overnight Hydration Method: Disperse Carbomer into deionized water and allow it to hydrate overnight before neutralizing. Avoid stirring during hydration to prevent the formation of lumps.
High-Speed Dispersion Method: Requires vacuum deaeration to avoid microgel residues.
Precautions:
Avoid dispersing in saline or ion-containing water, as this causes a drastic viscosity drop.
Avoid stirring during dispersion and hydration to prevent the formation of "fish eyes".
BACKGROUND
In the early 2000s, upgraded UV protection regulations required formulators to stabilize high concentrations of physical blockers (Titanium Dioxide/Zinc Oxide). Traditional carbomers often lacked the structural support needed for dense particulate systems. AC-Carbomer 980 solved this via modified acrylic copolymerization, significantly enhancing particle support while maintaining transparency. It also reduced self-wetting time to 40 minutes, improving production efficiency for physical sunscreens and color cosmetic foundations.
DESCRIPTION
AC-Carbomer 980 (INCI: Carbomer) is a rheologically optimized polymer specifically engineered for systems requiring stable suspension of solid particles (e.g., sunscreens, BB creams). Compared to 940, it maintains higher viscosity in low pH environments or at lower dosages. Its unique pseudoplastic shear-thinning properties allow for a smooth transition from a stable state to an effortless glide during application, perfectly balancing long-term stability with sensory appeal.
ADVANTAGES
1.Superior Suspension -- Ensures homogeneous distribution of active ingredients like TiO₂ and ZnO.
2.Enhanced Ion Tolerance -- Viscosity stability at 0.1%wt NaCl outperforms industry benchmarks.
3.Premium Skin Feel -- Offers a moisturizing, smooth texture with more elasticity than U20/U21.
EFFICACIES
• System Stabilization – Maintains consistent performance throughout product shelf life
• Enhanced Sensory Profile – Reduces tackiness for improved user comfort
• Uniform Film Formation – Optimizes efficacy of active ingredients
FAQ
Q1: Why is Carbomer 980 recommended for sunscreen formulations?
A1: Recommended for:
• Exceptional particle suspension capability
• Shear-thinning behavior enabling smooth application
Q2: What are the main differences between various Carbomer grades?
A2: Differences between Carbomer grades primarily lie in their rheological behavior, viscosity, clarity, and ionic tolerance, which also impact skin feel. For example:
940: Short rheology, high viscosity, high clarity, low ionic tolerance;
980: Short rheology, high viscosity, high clarity, moderate ionic tolerance;
U20: Long rheology, medium viscosity, high clarity, high ionic tolerance;
U21: Short rheology, low viscosity, high clarity.
Q3: What are the usage methods and precautions for Carbomer?
A3:
Usage Methods:
Overnight Hydration Method: Disperse Carbomer into deionized water and allow it to hydrate overnight before neutralizing. Avoid stirring during hydration to prevent the formation of lumps.
High-Speed Dispersion Method: Requires vacuum deaeration to avoid microgel residues.
Precautions:
Avoid dispersing in saline or ion-containing water, as this causes a drastic viscosity drop.
Avoid stirring during dispersion and hydration to prevent the formation of "fish eyes".
BACKGROUND
Addressing the industry pain point of long dissolution times (1–2 hours), AC-Carbomer U20 was introduced in 2010 utilizing surface hydrophobic modification technology. By incorporating branched alkyl groups into the molecular chain, it revolutionized the swelling mechanism, slashing self-wetting time from 60 minutes to just 3 minutes. This breakthrough eliminated the need for specialized dispersion equipment and significantly increased tolerance to surfactants and electrolytes in mass-produced toiletries.
DESCRIPTION
AC-Carbomer U20 (INCI: Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer) is a hydrophobically modified copolymer. Its optimized molecular structure delivers Long Rheology characteristics, giving products unique flowability and pumpability. Designed for electrolyte-rich systems (e.g., shampoos, body washes), it is highly compatible with diverse surfactants. At 0.2%wt concentration, U20 exhibits optimal viscosity stability, making it ideal for high-throughput cosmetic manufacturing.
ADVANTAGES
1.Rapid Self-Wetting -- Disperses in just 3 minutes without aggressive agitation; reduces energy consumption.
2.High Electrolyte Tolerance -- Maintains stable viscosity in high ionic strength systems (salts/complex actives).
3.Luxurious Texture -- Provides a rich, bouncy "high-end" skin feel without a watery after-feel.
EFFICACIES
• Enhanced Formulation Compatibility – Enables synergistic effects of multiple actives
• Improved Safety Profile – Gentle on all skin types
• Optimized Batch Consistency – Ensures uniform product quality across production runs
FAQ
Q1: What improvements does U20 offer over conventional carbomers?
A1: Key advancements include:
• Rapid cold-water dispersion (vs. special processes required for traditional carbomers)
• Tolerance to common surfactant systems
• Significantly reduced manufacturing cycle time (saving ≥30% processing time)
Q2: What are the main differences between various Carbomer grades?
A2: Differences between Carbomer grades primarily lie in their rheological behavior, viscosity, clarity, and ionic tolerance, which also impact skin feel. For example:
940: Short rheology, high viscosity, high clarity, low ionic tolerance;
980: Short rheology, high viscosity, high clarity, moderate ionic tolerance;
U20: Long rheology, medium viscosity, high clarity, high ionic tolerance;
U21: Short rheology, low viscosity, high clarity.
Q3: What are the usage methods and precautions for Carbomer?
A3:
Usage Methods:
Overnight Hydration Method: Disperse Carbomer into deionized water and allow it to hydrate overnight before neutralizing. Avoid stirring during hydration to prevent the formation of lumps.
High-Speed Dispersion Method: Requires vacuum deaeration to avoid microgel residues.
Precautions:
Avoid dispersing in saline or ion-containing water, as this causes a drastic viscosity drop.
Avoid stirring during dispersion and hydration to prevent the formation of "fish eyes".
BACKGROUND
With the rise of the "Ingredient Party" trend after 2018, formulations became increasingly complex with high-concentration acids and botanical extracts. AC-Carbomer U21 builds upon U20 technology with nano-scale purification and precise cross-linking density optimization, further reducing self-wetting time to 1.5 minutes. Crucially, it provides a 3-fold increase in salt tolerance and expands the stable pH range to 5.0–10.0, meeting the rigorous demands of high-performance functional skincare.
DESCRIPTION
AC-Carbomer U21 (INCI: Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer) is among the most advanced rheology modifiers available today. It combines extreme wetting speed with the ability to maintain rheological integrity in complex active systems (e.g., ampoule serums, intensive treatment emulsions). Unlike the long rheology of U20, U21 leans toward a Short Rheology, providing an ultra-fresh, non-tacky touch for high-efficacy and high-purity skincare products.
ADVANTAGES
1.Extreme Dispersion -- Only 1.5 minutes for self-wetting; ideal for highly automated production lines.
2.Broad pH Range -- Maintains excellent stability and transparency across pH 5.0 to 10.0.
3.High Active Compatibility -- Optimized for high-electrolyte systems; ensures actives don't compromise consistency.
EFFICACIES
• Active Ingredient Protection – Maintains efficacy stability throughout product lifespan
• Enhanced System Robustness – Accommodates diverse complex formulations
• Universal Formulation Adaptability – Meets multi-skin type and efficacy requirements
FAQ
Q1: What are the suitable application scenarios for Carbomer U21?
A1: Carbomer U21 is applicable to personal and home care products requiring moderate transparency and tolerance to ionic components, such as surfactant-containing shampoos and body washes (capable of thickening and suspending particles), as well as alcohol-based sanitizing gels. It is also suitable for hair care applications, including conditioners and hair colorants.
Q2: What are the main differences between various Carbomer grades?
A2: Differences between Carbomer grades primarily lie in their rheological behavior, viscosity, clarity, and ionic tolerance, which also impact skin feel. For example:
940: Short rheology, high viscosity, high clarity, low ionic tolerance;
980: Short rheology, high viscosity, high clarity, moderate ionic tolerance;
U20: Long rheology, medium viscosity, high clarity, high ionic tolerance;
U21: Short rheology, low viscosity, high clarity.
Q3: What are the usage methods and precautions for Carbomer?
A3:
Usage Methods:
Overnight Hydration Method: Disperse Carbomer into deionized water and allow it to hydrate overnight before neutralizing. Avoid stirring during hydration to prevent the formation of lumps.
High-Speed Dispersion Method: Requires vacuum deaeration to avoid microgel residues.
Precautions:
Avoid dispersing in saline or ion-containing water, as this causes a drastic viscosity drop.
Avoid stirring during dispersion and hydration to prevent the formation of "fish eyes".
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E-mail: sales@anecochem.com
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