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Moumoujus

SODIUM CARBOMER.

Valuable CAS 73298-57-4 / EMULSION STABILISING, FILM FORMING, GEL FORMING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Sodium Carbomer is a synthetic polymer recognized for its multifunctional role in precision skincare formulations. It primarily acts as a gel-forming agent and emulsion stabilizer, enhancing product texture, spreadability, and overall sensory experience while ensuring formulation consistency.

Summary

Emulsion Stabilising Film Forming Gel Forming Viscosity Controlling Suspending Agent Texture Enhancer Stabilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions by swelling significantly in water, forming clear gels that impart desirable texture and sensory attributes. It proficiently stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions, preventing phase separation to maintain product integrity. Additionally, Sodium Carbomer forms a flexible, uniform film on the skin, which can improve moisture retention and facilitate the prolonged adherence and even distribution of active ingredients. Its viscosity-controlling and suspending properties further ensure homogeneous product consistency and ingredient dispersion.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.24–0.4%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated efficacy and safety in alleviating both subjective and objective symptoms associated with moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome.
  2. 02 Proven more effective than 1% carboxymethyl cellulose in improving dry eye symptoms and objective test results, attributed to its longer precorneal residence time.
  3. 03 A fixed gel combination, including carbomer along with hyaluronic acid, glycerol, and a lipid component, was effective in treating hyposecretory moderate dry eye conditions.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Sodium Carbomer is a functional excipient used as a rheology modifier and stabilizer, rather than an active ingredient. Its inclusion at appropriate concentrations is critical for achieving desired product texture and stability, not for delivering a specific skin-active benefit that could be 'dusted' at insufficient levels.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5 – 10
0 7 14

Stability

As a pre-neutralized polymer, Sodium Carbomer readily thickens upon water dispersion, simplifying manufacturing. Its optimal gel integrity is maintained within a pH range of 5.0 to 10.0, with the most robust gel structure typically observed around pH 7. The addition of water-soluble UV absorbers can mitigate polymer degradation from UV exposure, thereby preventing viscosity loss.

Synergies

  • Moisturizing Agents (for enhanced moisture retention)
  • Active Ingredients (for improved delivery and prolonged skin contact)

Conflicts

  • High concentrations of strong acids (can negatively impact viscosity through salt formation)
  • Cationic antiseptics (e.g., benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed carbomers, including Sodium Carbomer, safe for cosmetic use at current concentrations. Clinical studies demonstrate a low potential for skin irritation, sensitization, phototoxicity, and photo-contact allergenicity, even at concentrations up to 100% in testing, and typically used at 0.1-0.5% in formulations. It is noted that Sodium Carbomer does not penetrate the skin.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Carbomer is a highly versatile and safe polymer that significantly enhances cosmetic formulations by improving texture, stability, and sensory feel, indirectly supporting optimal active ingredient delivery and moisture retention.

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