Back when synthetic polymers were just starting to find their way into commercial labs, Carbomer emerged out of necessity. Researchers wanted a material that could thicken liquids without clumping or requiring huge amounts of product. In the 1950s, the introduction of acrylic acid and cross-linking agents turned out to be a game-changer. Union Carbide and later Lubrizol pushed the technology forward, showing that blends of acrylic acid, cross-linkers, and a well-planned reaction process could achieve something both stable and highly functional for industry. It’s not just about thickening — Carbomer marked a turning point in how people designed gels, creams, and suspensions, spreading quickly from pharmaceuticals into cosmetics, household cleaning products, and industrial lubricants.
Carbomer doesn’t look like much to the naked eye: a fluffy, white powder that pours easy and doesn’t stick together. The real action takes place the moment this polymer meets water or other solvents. Suddenly, viscosity jumps, suspension of particles improves, and people can control the feel of creams, gels, and pastes with a pinch of powder. These polymers act like invisible helpers in products most people use every day—shampoos, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, and even eye drops sit at the top of the list. Because the final effect depends on both the type of Carbomer and what the rest of the formula brings to the table, companies spend a lot of time dialing in their recipes to get the best texture and stability.
The basics don’t change much: Carbomer structures start with acrylic acid, polymerized and then cross-linked. These long chains with carboxylic groups allow for water absorption far beyond what simple thickeners can handle. Powders swell dramatically in the right conditions and the swollen gel resists flowing. Physical behavior depends on particle size, the degree of cross-linking, and whether any extra modification has been done. Hydrated, Carbomer turns into a transparent, smooth gel. Chemically, those carboxyl groups can accept or lose protons, which makes the product sensitive to pH. Ionic changes can actually reverse gelation—if you add enough salt, gels collapse. Shelf stability runs high when stored dry and sealed away from humidity.
Manufacturers provide technical sheets showing molecular weight, particle size distribution, residual monomer levels, and pH tolerance after swelling in water. Viscosity rating often steers buyers’ decisions, and each grade carries its own recommended concentration for specific results—ranging from just tenths of a percent for clear gels up to several percent for heavy pastes. Labels include batch numbers, manufacturing dates, and sometimes, microbiological status, especially for pharma use. Regulations require this transparency because visibility into source and safety matters more than ever in today’s crowded product market.
On the industrial side, the process begins with mixing acrylic acid, initiators, and cross-linkers in a controlled reactor. The mix polymerizes, cross-linking forms a three-dimensional network, and then the product gets washed to reduce residual monomers and dried until it forms a porous powder. Strict temperature and oxygen control keep side reactions low. Any change in reaction conditions causes big swings in the final polymer’s swelling capacity and performance. Companies use closed systems and high-grade filtration during the drying step to keep the powder pure. Quality checks compare each batch to tight standards before the powder ends up in market-ready drums or bags.
Chemists love to tweak Carbomer. Besides the basic cross-linked acrylic acid backbone, researchers often graft it with other monomers or functionalize it with hydrophilic groups to make it more flexible, softer, or even more absorbent. Basic and acidic modifiers help tune pH tolerance. For thickening or suspending oily components, adding hydrophobic chains pays off. Every new wrinkle means a tailored response for things like faster application, longer shelf life, or lower irritation in skin products. Sulfonation or amination opens up new uses in drug delivery or biomedical gels, pushing the application list even further.
Carbomer sits under a blanket of trade names and synonyms: people might see “Carbopol” on cosmetics labels, or “Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer” on ingredient lists. Each supplier creates their own naming conventions. Some common numbers, such as 934, 940, or 980, refer to the structure or specific process used. Regulatory agencies sometimes push for more generic labels, but decades of brand recognition keep the old names alive. Hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical reps may use the United States Adopted Name (USAN) “Carbomer” for clarity.
In production or labs, dust control means more than clean floors—it protects workers’ lungs. Carbomer doesn’t smell or react sharply, but inhaling the powder can irritate airways and eyes. Engineering controls keep airborne dust low. Once hydrated, Carbomer generally sits in the “safe for use” category according to FDA and European Cosmetic Regulation bodies, provided it meets purity standards and contains low residual monomers. Handling protocols include gloves, dust masks, and closed mixing systems, following OSHA guidelines and global equivalents. Facilities running compliance checks must record and review incidents to keep both workers and end-users safe.
Carbomer shifts seamlessly between pharmaceutical, personal care, and even industrial sectors. Gels for drug delivery—especially topical creams—rely on its thickening power without extra oils. The pandemic pushed alcohol-based sanitizers front and center, and Carbomer gelled those formulas, keeping them from running off hands or surfaces too fast. In cosmetics, clear gels and stable emulsions rely on the polymer’s ability to suspend actives and create elegance without greasy residue. Even in paint, ink, and cleaning agents, Carbomer stabilizes pigments and improves viscosity for a better finish and easier application.
Research teams explore every wrinkle in Carbomer chemistry, pushing for smarter, safer, and greener options. One big focus lies in biodegradable versions—versions that keep function without persisting in the environment. Some labs swap out petrochemical acrylic acid for bio-based feedstocks or look for cross-linkers that break down faster. Drug companies dig into how Carbomer gels protect labile actives, while others map out new delivery pathways for vaccines or sensitive biologics. High-throughput screening and advanced analytics make it easier to compare lots of modifications fast, so each year brings new technical whitepapers and patents.
Over the years, multiple studies have checked Carbomer’s safety. On skin, it rarely causes irritation or allergic reactions at standard concentrations, which makes it a favorite in sensitive skin products. Lab researchers studying oral, dermal, or even ocular exposure note that the polymer passes out of the body mostly unchanged, which greatly lowers cancer or organ toxicity risk. Regulatory agencies keep reviewing the literature for new findings. One point that keeps coming up: careful removal of unreacted acrylic acid and cross-linkers during manufacturing prevents low-level toxicity events. Files from the European Chemicals Agency and U.S. FDA support low hazard classification based on current exposure data.
Carbomer won’t fade from the science scene anytime soon. Consumers chase cleaner, safer, and more sustainable formulas, putting pressure on polymer chemists to up their game. Cheaper, cleaner, and faster manufacturing processes attract investment, and demand for biodegradable thickeners keeps climbing. With advances in stimulus-responsive gels, biotech, and personalized medicine, new generations of Carbomer could end up in biosensors or smart drug-release systems. The growth of green chemistry and tougher product regulations means every new version gets closer scrutiny and smarter design, keeping this tried-and-true polymer at the cutting edge.
Most folks pick up a bottle of lotion or squeeze a dab of gel toothpaste and never think twice about what goes into the smooth glide or thick, clear swirl. That silky texture owes a lot to a humble ingredient called carbomer. Carbomer is a group of synthetic polymers made from acrylic acid. Its main job is to thicken and stabilize liquid products like gels and creams. You’ll spot it in ingredient lists on everything from skincare favorites to eye drops.
Go down any aisle lined with cosmetics, and you’ll see the evidence. Creams, hand sanitizers, shampoos — most feel pleasant and easy to spread, thanks to carbomer’s ability to make liquids gel-like or creamy. If you’ve noticed how some gels seem like they won’t drip, or a moisturizer slides evenly onto your skin, carbomer’s structure gets the credit.
It grabs onto water and swells up, creating a network that locks moisture in but stays light and non-greasy. Brands rely on this thickener because it holds things together. Products don’t separate, and that satisfying texture stays steady, even if it’s stuck on a warm bathroom shelf for months. Without it, a lot of creams would feel runny or separate before you finish the tube.
Besides keeping products thick, carbomer brings a clear, glossy look that appeals to anyone using transparent gels or fresh-faced moisturizers. Its pH flexibility lets it behave in products meant for sensitive skin or for those aiming to be gentle on the eyes. Because carbomer doesn’t react much with other ingredients and barely irritates skin, manufacturers see it as a reliable choice. It even helps suspend tiny bits like exfoliating beads or medication, so they stay mixed instead of sinking to the bottom.
It pays to know what goes on your skin, especially as people worry more about synthetic ingredients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), considers carbomer safe for use in cosmetics and personal care when used in low concentrations. Over years of use, research hasn’t found significant risks to most users. Rarely, skin may get red or itchy, but those reactions almost always fade once the product is washed off.
The story does shift in products not meant for topical use. In large industrial settings, powdered carbomer can irritate lungs or eyes if inhaled, making safety gear a must for workers. In finished consumer products, where it’s dissolved or gelled, that risk drops. Reliable oversight from regulatory bodies, and careful testing by product makers, keeps everyday consumers out of harm’s way.
Pressure keeps building for safer, “cleaner” labels in beauty and hygiene aisles. Some people ask about biodegradable alternatives or natural thickeners. Formulators try new gums and plant-based options, but it’s tough to balance the same stability, clarity, and feel consumers expect. Each change forces companies to weigh shelf-life, consistency, and cost, especially with strict quality goals in health care and cosmetics.
There’s real value in knowing what ingredients like carbomer deliver — and in keeping up with advances in chemistry that might replace it one day. Until then, carbomer looks set to keep doing its job, making modern products more reliable, comfortable, and pleasant to use.
Carbomer turns up almost everywhere in skin care and hair products. This ingredient works as a thickener. You see it in clear gels, lotions, and even toothpaste. It creates that smooth texture people expect from a good moisturizer or serum. Seeing “carbomer” on a label often brings up questions. After hearing buzz about it online and from friends, I wanted to take a closer look at what this ingredient actually does, and if it's something to worry about.
I remember the first time I noticed this ingredient was listed in a face wash. Nothing about my skin changed after using that product. I wanted to find more data, so I pulled up reports from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), an independent safety panel made up of doctors and chemists. They’ve assessed carbomer in the concentrations found in cosmetics—usually less than 1%. The CIR says carbomer doesn’t soak deeply into skin, and does not cause irritation or allergic responses for most people.
Dermatologists echo this. One peer-reviewed study showed minimal chance of skin sensitization. That means it won’t trigger rashes or sensitivity in nearly everyone. I reached out to a pharmacist friend, and she told me most people walk away from these products without any burning or redness, and they don’t report carbomer-related allergies.
Any chemical-sounding word can seem off-putting. Some users worry because of the “poly” prefix in one of its names, suggesting it’s a synthetic polymer. Yet, being synthetic doesn’t automatically make something unsafe. It comes down to how skin interacts with it.
Some are concerned about microplastics, or about persistent chemicals building up in water sources. Carbomer is not classified as a microplastic, and does not persist or accumulate in the body. It actually breaks down once it’s in the environment.
Sensitive skin reacts to everything, from sunlight to soap. In rare cases, someone with eczema or rosacea could react to any additive, including carbomer. But I struggle with irritation myself, and found no burning or itching after using carbomer-based formulas. If someone does develop redness or stinging, patch testing new products before full use offers a simple solution. A patch test involves dabbing a bit behind your ear or on your forearm, then waiting a day to see what happens. This gives skin a chance to alert you without risking a full face rash.
Labels matter. Reputable brands use pharmaceutical-grade carbomer. Formulation quality makes a real difference—it’s not about this thickener alone, but also about how it’s blended and preserved inside a bottle or jar.
People tend to worry about single ingredients, yet contact dermatitis nearly always results from using a medley of fragrances, preservatives, or colorants rather than the thickener itself. Still, scanning the full ingredients list is always smart.
If you’re not sure about a product, talking to a dermatologist helps clear up doubts. They’ll review how your skin reacts rather than what the internet says about chemicals.
Regulatory agencies across the world review these compounds routinely. In the USA, the FDA monitors every ingredient in over-the-counter skin care, and the European Union keeps even tighter rules. Carbomer passes all these bars for safety at the concentrations found in lotions, face wash, sunscreen, and styling gels.
Personal experience and trusted science both suggest carbomer works safely for most users in everyday skin care routines. If real concerns still nag, fragrance-free and minimalist formulas limit unnecessary additives and usually skip unnecessary thickeners. That’s what I reach for when my skin’s acting up.
Carbomer shows up in a lot of familiar items. You’ll spot it in hand sanitizers, lotions, skin creams, and even eye drops. It’s a thickener—think of the way a clear gel feels smooth or how a little squeeze of hand sanitizer doesn’t drip everywhere. Chemically, it’s a synthetic polymer that helps turn liquids into gels, which feels convenient and makes products easier to use. Heading into a drug store, you can count on seeing carbomer somewhere on the shelf.
After years of using personal care products, I’ve noticed mild irritations can pop up. Sometimes, after trying a new lotion, there's redness or a burning feeling that fades within the hour. Carbomer itself doesn’t usually cause trouble, but every skin type reacts differently. Sensitive folks or people dealing with eczema run a higher risk for that burning or tingling when a gel touches their skin. Rubbing on a product that contains carbomer may dry out hands after repeated use, especially in sanitizer products loaded with alcohol.
For most people, carbomer presents low risk. You might find exceptions though. Allergic reactions can show up as hives, swelling, or intense itching. My neighbor shared a story about applying a new eye drop that listed carbomer—her eyes grew red and watery instead of soothed. If a product stings badly or brings on swelling, that’s a clear signal to swap it out and check with a healthcare provider.
A crowded ingredient list can make anyone’s eyes glaze over. Junking up a skin routine with five different new items probably raises the odds of irritation. I’ve learned to glance at ingredient labels and watch for any unfamiliar additives. A patch test can save headaches down the road—just dabbing a small amount on the inside of your wrist and waiting. If the skin stays calm, it probably works for you.
Dermatologists pay close attention to polymer-based thickeners. Studies indicate carbomer itself rarely drives allergic reactions, though some people experience discomfort from product mixtures including dyes, fragrances, or preservatives. The Mayo Clinic has pointed out that most carbomer reactions trace back to these added ingredients, not to the polymer alone.
Manufacturers keep tweaking formulas for the safest outcomes. Transparency about what’s inside each bottle helps everyone steer clear of hidden triggers. I’ve noticed clean-label products—with minimal ingredients—grow more popular. Physicians and pharmacists encourage consumers to stick with options suited for sensitive skin, skip fragrance-heavy picks, and test new products cautiously.
If burning, redness, or swelling shows up, wash the area with cool water and avoid that product next time. For folks with allergy histories or skin conditions, a doctor or pharmacist can point to safer replacements. The bottom line? Regular use of carbomer-based gels or creams brings peace of mind for most people. Staying informed, checking ingredient lists, and trusting personal reactions offers the best protection.
Carbomer goes into a lot of personal care items. Gels, lotions, toothpaste — brands use it because it keeps formulas smooth and thick. It doesn’t sound glamorous, but it helps give sunscreen and hand sanitizer that familiar texture. That’s something folks might overlook until they read the back of the tube and wonder about every ingredient list.
People have started watching for ingredients that trigger rashes, stinging, or redness. I get why. My hands react to a lot of dish soap, and I want to know what’s causing it. Carbomer ranks low on the list of things that set people off. The American Contact Dermatitis Society and research around the world put carbomers in the category of “rare irritants.” Most people rub them on their skin and never know the difference. Dermatologists I’ve spoken to have seen people react way faster and worse to fragrances, dyes, or preservatives than to carbomers.
Still, rare doesn’t mean never. One or two case reports over many years describe swelling, itching, or hives linked to products using carbomer. A team out of Europe published a note about a patient whose eczema flare popped up after a gel containing carbomer. In almost all these “bad luck” stories, the problem cleared up quickly after stopping the product. The European Medicines Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration have reviewed carbomer safety. Their updates keep showing low rates of trouble, even when people use a lot of these gels.
Chemists make carbomer by taking acrylic acid and turning it into a long, fluffy polymer. They rinse and purify it, but every chemical process leaves behind a trace of something else. Old production methods sometimes left a little unreacted acid or solvent. Even these small leftovers can bother people with extra-sensitive skin or eyes. The same goes for anyone with pre-existing skin conditions, like eczema—sensitivity tends to be higher, so irritation becomes more likely.
On top of that, carbomer rarely gets used by itself. It lands in formulas with alcohol, preservatives, and fragrances—those extras can act up, and people often blame the whole package for the problem. So a stinging sensation might come from something sitting alongside carbomer, not the thickener itself.
The best move for anyone is to try a small patch on the inside of the wrist and wait a day or two before diving into a new skincare gel or cream, especially for people with a track record of being sensitive to personal products. If redness or bumps show up, switch to a product made for sensitive skin and talk to a dermatologist. The power to read a label and search out allergen-free products matters. Carbomer-free options exist, but for most healthy, intact skin, carbomer rarely stirs up trouble.
Researchers and regulatory groups keep tabs on personal care ingredients for a reason. If patterns show up, rules and warning labels change. For now, carbomer stands as a low-risk option in a crowded world of chemical thickeners. Brands lean on it because science and safety backs it up. Anyone with skin issues, or parents managing kids’ sensitive skin, can take practical steps—read, test, and ask a healthcare pro. That kind of vigilance gets results, and not just for one ingredient.
Carbomer pops up in loads of lotions, gels, and creams—right down at the bottom of the ingredient list. This synthetic polymer keeps products smooth and stable. It thickens water-based formulas and gives gels that bouncy texture. The science behind it is pretty straightforward: Carbomer molecules swell up in water, creating a jelly that helps hold other ingredients together. Dermatologists see it everywhere because manufacturers trust its reliability and consistency.
Manufacturers add carbomer to shampoos, cleansers, and moisturizers for a reason. It stops things from separating. It makes serums and creams feel luxurious and spread easily. Compared with natural thickeners, carbomer usually holds up better under different temperatures and doesn’t turn odd-smelling if a bottle is opened now and then. Personal care brands like this ingredient because it doesn’t react with other actives, so vitamin C, niacinamide, or peptides all play well in the same formula.
Sensitive skin gets easily irritated. Any unfamiliar ingredient raises questions, and carbomer is no different. I’ve tested enough moisturizers in my own routine to see reactions pop up from heavy fragrances or strong preservatives. In practice, carbomer does not cause problems for most people, even those with delicate skin.
Scientific reviews published in sources like the Journal of Dermatological Science show that carbomer itself rarely triggers allergies or inflammation. According to studies by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, concentrations used in skin care products—normally less than 1%—are very low and usually don’t provoke redness, itchiness, or rashes. Plenty of dermatologists use carbomer-based ointments to treat fragile skin after laser treatments or peels. You’ll find it in soothing gels for sunburn release and those recommendations don’t come lightly.
People often blame carbomer if a face wash or moisturizer stings, but in reality, fragrances, botanicals, or high concentrations of preservatives like phenoxyethanol turn up as the real irritants. At home, I keep an eye on ingredients that break me out, but carbomer never made my skin angry. A quick check of major allergy databases turns up only rare examples of contact dermatitis—almost always after extremely high doses or laboratory accidents.
Carbomer itself usually blends into the background, but sensitive skin comes in many flavors. If a person battles eczema or a damaged skin barrier, even mild ingredients sometimes feel wrong. Gel cleansers using carbomer often also rely on sulfates or strong detergents, so reading further down the label matters. People reacting to several products should work with a dermatologist to patch-test formulas individually. In these cases, carbomer is not usually top of the culprit list, but individual reactions never get ruled out.
Choosing gentle products starts with reading the whole formula, not just one name. Unscented moisturizers, low-preservative serums, and single-ingredient balms suit sensitive types best. Patch-testing—using a bit of product behind the ear for a day—remains the simplest path for avoiding a bad reaction. If a rash turns up, talking to a professional helps pin down the real reason, not just the thickener.
If someone has a track record of allergy or severe reactivity, double-checking with a dermatologist or even trying a brand’s sampler kit can offer reassurance. But after years of testing, reviewing reports, and checking in with specialists, carbomer lands solidly in the “safe for most folks” column, including those with sensitive skin.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Carbopol |
| Other names |
Carbopol Carboxypoly-methylene Acrylic acid polymer Carbomer homopolymer Carbomer copolymer Acrylate polymer |
| Pronunciation | /ˈkɑːrbəˌmɚ/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 9003-01-4 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1460712 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:59071 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1201477 |
| ChemSpider | 53469 |
| DrugBank | DB09466 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 2025271 |
| EC Number | 9007-20-9 |
| Gmelin Reference | 67615 |
| KEGG | C12120 |
| MeSH | D004322 |
| PubChem CID | 67112 |
| RTECS number | GF1310000 |
| UNII | 4Q93RCW27E |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | (C3H4O2)n |
| Molar mass | Carbomer is a polymer and does not have a fixed molar mass. |
| Appearance | White, fluffy, hygroscopic powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 2.1 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 2.53 |
| Vapor pressure | <1 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 6.0 – 0.1 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb: 8.6 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | Diamagnetic |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.47 |
| Viscosity | 40000 - 60000 cP |
| Dipole moment | 2.22 D |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | S01XA20 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes serious eye irritation. Dust may cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 200 °C (392 °F) |
| Autoignition temperature | > 400°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): >5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | > 3840 mg/kg (Rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | GFG510 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for Carbomer: "Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5-1.0% |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed. |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Polyacrylic acid Sodium polyacrylate Carbopol Acrylic acid Crosslinked polyacrylate |
