Sodium Carbomer is used in cosmetics and personal care products primarily as a gelling agent. It dissolves easily in water, forming smooth, viscous gels. This improves the texture and spreadability of products while creating a light, non-sticky feel. Additionally, it stabilizes oil and water emulsions and prevents them from separating into layers. Sodium Carbomer is commonly used in serums, gels, lotions, creams, sunscreens, and hair products. Since it forms transparent or translucent gels, it provides better clarity and results in visually appealing products. Sodium Carbomer is very safe for use in cosmetics and does not cause any significant side effects.
Products with SODIUM CARBOMER
With samples available
PNC 400
by 3V Sigma
COSMOGEL™ 942N
by CISME Italy
AQUPEC MG N40R
by Sumitomo Seika Chemicals
What is SODIUM CARBOMER used for?
- Gel forming - Sodium Carbomer swells substantially in water and creates clear gels, which provide excellent texture, spreadability, and sensory feel. This makes it especially useful for serum manufacturing.
- Emulsion stabilizing - Sodium Carbomer stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions and prevents creaming or phase separation.
- Film forming - Sodium Carbomer forms a flexible, uniform film on the surface of the skin or hair. This film enhances product performance by improving moisture retention, enhancing skin feel, and helping active ingredients stay in place longer. In hair products, the film contributes to improved hold, smoother texture, and reduced frizz.
Origin
Sodium Carbomer is made by first polymerizing acrylic acid with a crosslinker such as allyl sucrose or allyl pentaerythritol to form a crosslinked polyacrylic acid network. This polymer is then partially neutralized using a sodium source, typically sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate, converting its acidic groups into sodium carboxylate groups. The resulting Sodium Carbomer is dried, milled, and purified.
What does SODIUM CARBOMER do in a formulation?
EMULSION STABILISING|
FILM FORMING|
GEL FORMING|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLINGSafety Profile
Sodium Carbomer is considered safe for use at low concentrations of 0.2% to 0.5%. It does not penetrate the skin and poses no risks of irritation or sensitization. Although well-tolerated by most skin types, patch tests are recommended prior to full application.
SODIUM CARBOMER alternatives
SODIUM CARBOMER technical profile
| Property | Values |
| pH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water; insoluble in oil |
| Viscosity | Very high |