Many Applications/USES of Carbomers

Carbomers are water soluble crosslinked Polyacrylic Acids. It is offered as fluffy dry white powder, and is used to

  • Thicken – produce a wide range of viscosities and flow properties
  • Suspend insoluble ingredients
  • Stabilize Emulsions
  • Prevent separation in the product
  • Improve the texture of the product by making it more thick and creamy

Carbomer is a popular ingredient in skincare and personal care products due to its versatile applications. One of its primary uses is as a thickening agent, contributing to the desired consistency and texture of products such as lotions, creams, and gels. Its ability to enhance the stability and viscosity of these formulations makes it an essential component in the cosmetics industry. Additionally, carbomer is utilized as an emulsifying agent, aiding in the even distribution of different ingredients and ensuring the overall stability of the product. This makes it valuable in the production of various skincare and hair care products, allowing for the creation of smooth, uniform blends that enhance user experience.

Moreover, carbomer is employed in the pharmaceutical sector for its ability to improve the viscosity and suspension properties of medications. It is commonly found in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations, where it serves to maintain the consistency of the product and enhance its effectiveness. The use of carbomer in pharmaceuticals ensures that medications are easy to administer and provide optimal therapeutic benefits to patients. Its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of active ingredients make it an invaluable component in the development of various pharmaceutical and personal care products.

Carbomer finds extensive use in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the formulation of various medications. One prominent application of carbomer in pharmaceuticals is in the production of topical gels and creams. For instance, carbomer is utilized in the preparation of topical pain relief gels, where it aids in maintaining the gel’s consistency, ensuring easy application, and enhancing the absorption of the active ingredients through the skin. Additionally, carbomer is employed in the production of eye drops, where it contributes to the viscosity of the solution, allowing for prolonged contact with the eye surface and improving the therapeutic efficacy of the medication.

In oral pharmaceutical formulations, carbomer is used to create suspensions and emulsions. For example, it is employed in the production of oral suspensions for various medications, such as antacids and anti-infective agents. In these formulations, carbomer helps to suspend the active ingredients evenly, ensuring that the medication is administered in a consistent and effective manner. Its ability to enhance the stability and texture of these oral suspensions makes it a valuable component in the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the overall quality and performance of the medications.

Biopol carbomer is benzene free and is a very safe ingredient. It is not linked to any cancer and has a very low probability of skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is incredibly versatile and can be used in a number of applications such as skin care, hair care, oral hygiene products and pharmaceutical products. Additionally it is an effective rheology modifier for many applications home care, industrial and institutional (HI&I) cleaning industries, and others (e.g. solid fuel gels and alkaline batteries).

Products that can be used with carbomers include

The Many Applications of Carbomer | 1Skin Care

  • Creams & Lotions
  • Sunscreens
  • Body Wash

Hair Care

  • Shampoo
  • Hair Dye & Colour
  • Styling Gels and Products

Pharmaceutical

  • Controlled Release / Sustained Release Tablets
  • Liquid Orals
  • Tablet Binding
  • Taste Masking
  • Ointments
  • Gels
  • Sanitizers

Home, Industrial and Institutional

  • Hard surface cleaners
  • Diswashing (e.g. automatic dish washing liquid gels)
  • Hand cleaners (e.g. heavy duty hand cleaners and hydroalcoholic hand sanitizing gels)
  • Fabric Care
  • Auto Care
  • Descaling Fluids

Miscellaneous

  • Solid fuel gels (e.g. gelled ethanol / methanol for cooking and as a fire starter)
  • Alkaline batteries

The efficacy and versatility of carbomers makes it widely used in a number of applications.

There are two grades of BIOPOL carbomers. The pharmaceutical grades of ‘BIOPOL NF/USP’ are used in oral pharmaceutical formulations, whereas Biopol normal grades are used in topical formulations

Grade of Carbomer Suggested Use
BIOPOL® 974P NF/USP
BIOPOL® 934P NF/USP
BIOPOL® 971P NF/USP
Oral Suspensions, Tablet Binder, Controlled Release
Formulations, Taste masking, Toothpaste and Oral Care, Opthalmic, Intestinal, Nasal, Vaginal & Rectal products.
BIOPOL® 934 NF Gels, Ointments, Creams & Lotions
BIOPOL® 940 NF Styling Gels, Mousse & Ultra Sounds Gels, Hand Sanitizer. Can be used with GHTC as a Rheology Modifier in Shampoos.
BIOPOL® 941 NF Creams, Lotions and Emulsions
BIOPOL® 980 NF Styling Gels, Toothpaste & Oral Care,Can be used with GHTC as a Rheology Modifier in Shampoos.
BIOPOL® 981 NF Silicone Emulsions, Topical Suspensions
BIOPOL® 10 NF Creams, Lotions & Emulsions, Hand Sanitizer, Ultrasound Gel
BIOPOL® 20 Shampoos, Body Washes, Face Washes for Thickening & Suspending Particles
BIOPOL® 21 Styling Gels, Shampoos, Mousse, Hand Sanitizer, Ultrasound gels.
BIOPOL® ETD 2020 Shampoos, Body Washes, Face Washes for Thickening & Suspending Particles
BIOPOL® Crystal Highest Clarity for Gels & Sanitizers