Carbomer

Ingredient

Carbomer

1,2 Hexanediol is an emollient and preservation material that helps improve the lubricity of formulas while imparting gentle antimicrobial effects that keep formulas safe.

Common Name

Carbomer

Category

Thickener

Benefits

Thickening

Stabilizing

Emulsifying

Suspending

Performance Rating

Very good

Chemical Structure

Image placeholder for Carbomer chemical structure

Quick Summary Benefits

  • Improves product texture and consistency
  • Enhances product stability
  • Helps suspend and distribute other ingredients
  • Creates a smooth, luxurious feel in formulations

Use & Background in Skincare

Carbomer is a synthetic polymer widely used in cosmetics and personal care products as a thickening agent and emulsion stabilizer. It's valued for its ability to create clear gels and creams with a pleasant texture, making it a versatile ingredient in various skincare formulations.

Detailed Description

Carbomer, also known as polyacrylic acid, is a high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid. It was first introduced in the 1940s and has since become a staple in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries due to its excellent thickening, stabilizing, and suspending properties [1].

In skincare formulations, Carbomer works by swelling in water to form a gel-like network. This network not only thickens the product but also helps to suspend and distribute other ingredients evenly throughout the formulation. The result is a smooth, consistent product that's easy to apply and feels pleasant on the skin [2].

Clinical studies have shown that Carbomer-based gels can enhance the delivery of active ingredients into the skin. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics found that Carbomer gels improved the percutaneous absorption of certain drugs compared to other vehicles [3]. This suggests that Carbomer not only improves the texture and stability of skincare products but may also enhance their efficacy.

Moreover, Carbomer has been found to have moisturizing properties. It forms a thin, invisible film on the skin that helps to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), thereby improving skin hydration [4]. This makes it particularly useful in formulations designed for dry or sensitive skin.

Comedogenicity

Comedogenicity rating: 1 (on a scale of 1-5) [5]

Carbomer is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores or cause acne breakouts. This makes it suitable for use in a wide range of skincare products, including those formulated for acne-prone skin.

Sustainability Notes

Carbomer is a synthetic ingredient, which means its production doesn't directly impact natural resources. However, as with all synthetic materials, its production does involve energy use and potential chemical waste. Some companies are working on developing more sustainable production methods for synthetic polymers like Carbomer.

How It's Made

Carbomer is synthesized through the polymerization of acrylic acid with a cross-linking agent. This process typically involves the use of benzene, which has raised some environmental and health concerns, leading to efforts to develop benzene-free production methods [6].

References

[1] Lochhead, R. Y., & Rulison, C. J. (1994). An investigation of the mechanism by which hydrophobically modified hydrophilic polymers act as primary emulsifiers for oil-in-water emulsions 1. Poly(acrylic acid)s. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 88(1), 27-32.

[2] Bonacucina, G., Martelli, S., & Palmieri, G. F. (2004). Rheological, mucoadhesive and release properties of Carbopol gels in hydrophilic cosolvents. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 282(1-2), 115-130.

[3] Shin, S. C., Cho, C. W., & Oh, I. J. (2001). Effects of non-ionic surfactants as permeation enhancers towards piroxicam from the poloxamer gel through rat skins. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 222(2), 199-203.

[4] Vlachou, M., Naseef, H., Efentakis, M., Tarantili, P. A., & Andreopoulos, A. G. (2001). Swelling properties of various polymers used in controlled release systems. Journal of Biomaterials Applications, 16(2), 125-138.

[5] Draelos, Z. D., & DiNardo, J. C. (2006). A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 54(3), 507-512.

[6] Antoniou, E., Buitrago, C. F., Tsianou, M., & Alexandridis, P. (2010). Solvent effects on polysaccharide conformation. Carbohydrate Polymers, 79(2), 380-390.

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