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Carbomer

Carbomer suppliers and sourcing guide

Carbomers are high molecular weight polymers of acrylic acid, lightly cross-linked with allyl ethers of pentaerythritol or sucrose. They are made by precipitation polymerization in an organic solvent; older grades used benzene, while current grades use ethyl acetate or a cyclohexane and ethyl acetate mix. Brands buy a fluffy white powder that is dispersed in water and neutralized with a base such as sodium hydroxide or triethanolamine to form clear gels and to thicken lotions.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Carbomer homopolymer · Carboxyvinyl polymer · Cross-linked polyacrylic acid · Carbomer 940 · Carbomer 980
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of carbomer

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Homopolymer grades

    Cross-linked polyacrylic acid sold by viscosity type (compendial Types A, B and C) and by legacy grade numbers such as 940 and 980; the grade sets gel viscosity and clarity.

  • Copolymer and interpolymer grades

    Acrylic acid polymerized with a long-chain alkyl methacrylate or other comonomers for better salt tolerance and emulsion stabilizing; some carry their own INCI name, such as acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer.

  • Benzene-free grades

    Grades polymerized in ethyl acetate or cyclohexane instead of benzene. Most compendial and cosmetic buyers now specify these, with the residual solvent on the COA.

  • Easy-dispersing grades

    Surface-treated powders that wet out without lumping, so they can be added to water without high-shear mixing.

  • Pre-neutralized salts

    Sodium carbomer and similar salts that thicken without a separate neutralizing step; each is a separate ingredient on the label.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity (IR)
Infrared spectrum matched against a reference for the grade.
Viscosity
Brookfield viscosity of a neutralized dispersion at a stated concentration, pH and spindle speed; the key performance test and the number that differs most between lots.
Carboxylic acid content
Assay of carboxylic acid groups by titration, reported on the dried basis against the compendial or supplier range.
Residual solvents and monomer
Benzene, ethyl acetate or cyclohexane by GC, and free acrylic acid by HPLC, against the grade's limits.
Loss on drying
Moisture by loss on drying; carbomer powder picks up water from the air.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other elements by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the applicable USP, NF or cosmetic-grade limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store carbomer powder in its sealed bag or drum in a cool, dry place, because it absorbs moisture and then disperses with lumps. It is a fine, light powder, so open and weigh it with dust control. Suppliers assign a shelf life or retest date, and viscosity is the test to repeat on older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Gel viscosity and clarity vary within the grade's range from lot to lot, so record the COA viscosity and residual solvent results for each lot and check a test gel when the product's texture is tight. Keep the grade name and polymerization solvent on the specification, since a substitute grade can behave very differently.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database describes carbomer homopolymer as a high molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid cross-linked with allyl ethers of pentaerythritol or sucrose, and lists a benzene limit of not more than 0.0002%.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • The same database entry lists the non-medicinal purposes binder, emulsifying agent, gelling agent and viscosity increasing agent.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 701.3 lists Carbomer 934, 934P, 940, 941, 960 and 961 among names adopted for cosmetic ingredient labeling, subject to the respective dictionary monographs being revised.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Carbomer suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking carbomer suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell carbomer? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of carbomer can brands buy?

Common forms include homopolymer grades, copolymer and interpolymer grades, benzene-free grades, easy-dispersing grades and pre-neutralized salts. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for carbomer include?

Expect identity (IR), viscosity, carboxylic acid content, residual solvents and monomer, loss on drying and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should carbomer be stored?

Store carbomer powder in its sealed bag or drum in a cool, dry place, because it absorbs moisture and then disperses with lumps. It is a fine, light powder, so open and weigh it with dust control. Suppliers assign a shelf life or retest date, and viscosity is the test to repeat on older stock.

What is the regulatory status of carbomer?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database describes carbomer homopolymer as a high molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid cross-linked with allyl ethers of pentaerythritol or sucrose, and lists a benzene limit of not more than 0.0002%. The same database entry lists the non-medicinal purposes binder, emulsifying agent, gelling agent and viscosity increasing agent. 21 CFR 701.3 lists Carbomer 934, 934P, 940, 941, 960 and 961 among names adopted for cosmetic ingredient labeling, subject to the respective dictionary monographs being revised.

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