Carbomer Supplier South Africa

What Is Carbomer?

Carbomer (carbopol) is a series of cross-linked polyacrylic acid homo- and co-polymers that are among the most widely used rheology modifiers in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations worldwide. The polymer disperses in water to form an acidic, low-viscosity dispersion that, on neutralisation with a base (NaOH, KOH, triethanolamine, or aminomethyl propanol), swells dramatically and forms a crystal-clear, high-viscosity gel. Carbomers are exceptionally efficient — as little as 0.1–0.5% provides substantial gel strength, making them cost-effective thickeners for water-based gel formulations including hand gels, serums, topical pharmaceutical gels, and personal lubricants.

Selection of Carbomer Grade

Different carbomer grades have different molecular weights, cross-link densities, and viscosity profiles. Carbomer 940 is the most widely used grade in cosmetics, providing clear, high-viscosity gels with a smooth skin feel. Carbomer 941 provides lower viscosity, more fluid gels and better dispersibility. Carbomer 980 is an ethyl acrylate co-polymer that provides reduced sensitivity to electrolytes and is preferred in formulations with high electrolyte content (salts, actives). Carbomer 934 provides high viscosity and is commonly used in pharmaceutical gels and mucoadhesive formulations. All require neutralisation to develop gel viscosity — neutralisation with sodium hydroxide produces sodium polyacrylate gels; triethanolamine neutralisation produces softer gels with different skin feel.

Emulsion Stabilisation and Pharmaceutical Use

At low concentrations (0.05–0.3%), carbomers are effective emulsion stabilisers that improve the stability of o/w and w/o emulsions through viscosity modification of the aqueous phase and formation of viscoelastic networks that prevent droplet coalescence. In pharmaceutical topical formulations, carbomers are used in dermatological gels, ophthalmic gels, mucoadhesive drug delivery systems, and in controlled-release oral pharmaceutical systems. Terracore Chemicals supplies carbomer in grades 940, 980, and 941 for cosmetic and pharmaceutical manufacturing.