Carbomer (Flogel FG 1000)

A synthetic polymer primarily made from acrylic acid that most commonly comes in the form of a white fluffy powders, and is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulas. This is used frequently as gels in cosmetics and in many other cosmetics and personal care product types.

Carbomers normally require neutralising to maximise their viscosity in dispersion. Neutralising effectively raises the pH of the dispersion to that where maximum viscosity is achieved. Un-neutralised carbomer dispersions have a typical pH of 2.5 – 3.5 and have low viscosities. Adding a neutraliser raises the pH and enhances the viscosity. Optimum viscosity is achieved at pH 6.5 – 7.5.

The usual neutraliser in most Carbomer is a solution of 25% sodium hydroxide in 75% water, although some carbomer can also be neutralised with AMP (Aminomethylproprianol) or TEA (triethanolamine). Add enough of the neutralising solution to raise the pH to the optimum level. In most formulas this can be between 1% and 3% depending on the amount of carbomer in the dispersion.

Carbomers are thickening agents that help control the viscosity and flow of cosmetic products. They also help distribute and suspend insoluble solids in liquids, and prevent the oil and liquid parts of a solution from separating.

They have the ability to absorb and retain water, and can swell up to 1000 times their original volume when dispersed in water. Generally, carbomers are used in gel-like formulations because it forms a colloidal, mucilage-like consistency when mixed in water.