What is Carbomer?

Carbomer is a generic name for a family of synthetic polymers that are widely used as thickening, suspending, and stabilizing agents in a variety of industries including cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. Carbomers are typically synthesized by the polymerization of acrylic acid or its derivatives with a cross-linking agent to form a highly cross-linked polymer network.

Carbomers are highly efficient at thickening and gelling aqueous solutions and are therefore used in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products such as shampoos, lotions, creams, and gels. They are also used in pharmaceuticals to control the viscosity and consistency of topical formulations and in oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash.

Carbomers are available in a variety of grades, each with different properties and characteristics, such as particle size, cross-link density, and molecular weight. Some common types of carbomer include carbomer 934, carbomer 940, and carbomer 980. Carbomers are generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used as intended in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.

What is the chemical formula of Carbomer?

Carbomer is not a single compound but rather a generic name for a class of synthetic polymers used as thickening, dispersing, and emulsifying agents in various industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products.

Carbomers are cross-linked acrylic acid polymers that are synthesized by polymerization of acrylic acid or its derivatives such as sodium acrylate, potassium acrylate, or methyl acrylate with a cross-linking agent. The resulting polymer is then processed to produce carbomer in various grades and forms.

Therefore, there is no single chemical formula for carbomer as it varies depending on the specific grade and type of carbomer used. However, the general chemical formula for carbomers can be represented as:

(C3H4O2)n, where n is the degree of polymerization or the number of repeating units in the polymer chain.

What is Carbomer used for in hand hygiene products?

Carbomers are commonly used in hand hygiene products such as hand sanitizers and hand washing gels to provide viscosity and enhance the texture of the product. Hand sanitizers containing carbomers have a thick and gel-like consistency, which helps to prevent the product from running off the hands too quickly.

In hand sanitizers, carbomers are used as thickeners to improve the texture and spreadability of the product, as well as to increase the contact time of the active ingredient with the skin. The thick consistency of the hand sanitizer containing carbomers ensures that the active ingredient remains on the skin for a longer period, allowing it to effectively kill bacteria and viruses.

Carbomers can also act as emulsifiers, helping to suspend and stabilize the active ingredients in hand sanitizers and hand washing gels. They can help to prevent the separation of the active ingredients from the rest of the product, ensuring that the sanitizer remains effective over time.

Overall, carbomers are a useful ingredient in hand hygiene products, helping to improve their texture, consistency, and effectiveness.

What are the side effects of Carbomer?

Carbomer is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used as intended in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It has a long history of safe use in a variety of products, including hand sanitizers, shampoos, lotions, and other personal care items.

Carbomers are not known to cause any significant side effects when used topically. However, in rare cases, some individuals may experience mild skin irritation or allergic reactions to carbomers. If you experience any adverse reactions, such as redness, itching, or swelling, after using a product containing carbomer, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice.

Ingestion of carbomer is unlikely as it is not typically used in products that are intended to be ingested. However, if ingested accidentally, it may cause gastrointestinal irritation, such as stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting.

Overall, carbomer is a safe and well-tolerated ingredient when used as intended in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. However, as with any product, it is always advisable to read and follow the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer, and if you experience any adverse reactions, seek medical attention promptly.

Notice

This information was assembled from a wide variety of sources and no warranty, expressed or implied, relating to the accuracy of the information is made. The user assumes all liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this information.