Products in Personal Hygiene: Viscosity Modifier

Carbopol® Aqua SF-1 OS polymer is an acrylates copolymer and alkali-swellable rheology modifier specifically designed for skin care, sun care, and color cosmetic applications containing pigments. It offers excellent rheology and suspension in sophisticated oil-in-water skin care, sun care, or color cosmetic systems that contain high levels of coated and uncoated pigments (e.g., TiO2) or particles.

Amidex™ LIPA surfactant is a naturally derived ingredient that serves as a viscosity builder, foam enhancer, and stabilizer. It is commonly used in shower gels, shampoos, hand soaps, skin cleansers, and other cleansing products to achieve a tight, dense, and luxurious foam. Amidex™ LIPA surfactant can be used as a replacement for DEA amides and MEA amides at a 75% use level, providing an effective alternative for formulators.

Carbopol® Ultrez 21 polymer is an outstanding self-wetting rheology modifier known for its impressive electrolyte tolerance and high clarity. It is a white powder composed of a crosslinked copolymer of polyacrylic acid polymerized in a cosolvent system that prioritizes safety. Its self-wetting properties make it remarkably easy to use and process efficiently. As a highly efficient rheology modifier, it is capable of providing high viscosity and forming clear gels, hydroalcoholic gels, creams, and lotions.

Carbopol® Polymers® SC-800 Polymer is a hydrophobically modified cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer processed in a toxicologically preferred cosolvent system. It has been balanced with crosslinker levels, hydrophobic content, and surface modification to provide the best efficiency and ease of processing for challenging surfactant systems. The INCI name has been CFDA-listed.

Arbalon® R-50 cellulose liquid is a unique form of pre-activated cellulose solution known for its ability to impart a true yield stress and suspend insoluble particles in personal care formulations. It has minimal negative impact on the final viscosity of the formulation. Arbalon™ R-50 cellulose liquid is derived from a microbial fermentation process and is considered an eco-friendly alternative. It is used to enhance the stability and texture of personal care products.

Carbopol® Ultrez 20 polymer is an exceptional self-wetting rheology modifier renowned for its remarkable electrolyte tolerance and clarity. It is a white powder comprising a hydrophobically modified crosslinked acrylate copolymer. This polymer offers a multitude of advantages for formulators and marketers of personal care products. It is incredibly user-friendly as it self-wets and disperses rapidly. Alongside its rheology-modifying and stabilizing properties, it demonstrates excellent tolerance to electrolytes and imparts unique sensory benefits to formulations. It is suitable for use in systems with moderate surfactant content, making it ideal for applications like shampoos, body washes, gels, lotions, and creams.

Glucamate™ CCO Thickener is an 80% active, naturally-derived, non-ethoxylated liquid viscosity builder for mild surfactant systems. It is ideal for non-ethoxylated surfactant packages, including sulfate and sulfate-free cleansing systems, where properties such as clarity, honey-like flow, and mildness are desired. Enables unprecedented formulation flexibility, allowing for cost-effective systems.

Amidex™ C-CM surfactant is a concentrated and self-preserving liquid version of Cocamide MEA. It combines the foam-boosting and foam stabilizing properties of betaine in a single, easy-to-handle blend. This surfactant offers excellent viscosity-building properties when used with anionics and is particularly well-suited for bath and shower products where stable foam, good wetting, and gentle cleansing are desired. The ratio of amides to betaines is approximately 1:4 on a % solids basis.

Glucamate™ DOE-120 thickener is a highly efficient viscosity builder designed for use with various anionic and amphoteric surfactant systems commonly found in shampoos, body washes, and liquid soaps. It is a flaked solid derived from methyl glucose ether esterified with oleic acid. Glucamate™ DOE-120 thickener is non-irritating to the eyes, making it ideal for baby shampoos.

Novemer™ EC-2 polymer is a liquid, pre-neutralized polymer dispersed in oil. It is designed for use in oil-in-water emulsions in skin care and suncare formulations. Novemer™ EC-2 polymer enables the formulation of elegant and stable emulsions that can incorporate active ingredients with electrolytes and suspended inorganic pigments.

Chembetaine™ CAD surfactant is a high purity, low color, and low odor surfactant that exhibits excellent foaming, lathering, and viscosity building characteristics. It is derived from stripped fatty acids, which contribute to its superior performance. This surfactant synergistically provides mildness and is recommended for use in shampoos, facial cleansers, bubble baths, and shower gels. It offers exceptional clarity and remains stable across a wide pH range.

Pemulen™ Polymers™ EZ-4U Polymer is a polymeric emulsifier that minimizes skin care formulation constraints through simpler processing and greater formulation flexibility in a cost-efficient manner while offering robust emulsion stabilization, freedom from HLB constraints, stability over a wide pH range, and flexibility for cold or hot processability, all at low use levels. It allows the development of a wide variety of textures, from a shiny, smooth cream to thin, sprayable lotions. It provides a light sensorial profile and robustness to stabilize sophisticated ingredients, such as challenging oil systems, actives, perfumes, UV absorbers, film formers, and optical and sensory enhancers.

Oilkemia™ 5S polymer is a multifunctional oil-soluble rheology modifier. It imparts thickening, clarity, and suspension properties to a wide range of oils and oil mixtures, including vegetable-based oils, triglycerides, esters, and organic UV filters. Oilkemia™ 5S polymer is typically supplied as 30% solids in caprylic and capric triglycerides. It allows the development of various textures, from thin, non-dripping systems to lotions, creams, and solid sticks. It can also improve the sensory experience by reducing the greasy afterfeel of oils in anhydrous and emulsion systems. This rheology modifier is efficient in medium- to high polarity systems, with a typical usage level of 1.0–6.0 wt% for low- to high-viscosity oil gels.

Chromapol™ 5 polymer is a hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable acrylic emulsion (HASE) polymer. It is designed to provide enhanced viscosity and emulsion stability to hair color systems. This polymer is suitable for permanent and semi-permanent color systems, offering a smooth flow, non-drip shear-thinning rheology, and high clarity gels.

Glucate™ SS emulsifier is an off-white flake that exhibits water-in-oil emulsifying activity. It is derived from methyl glucose esterified with stearic acid. When used together with Glucamate™ SSE-20 emulsifier, they form a complementary pair that offers safety and performance advantages over traditional emulsifiers. These ingredients are suitable for creams, lotions, and makeup products used near the eye area.

Carbopol® Polymers® Fusion S20 is an INCI-listed liquid viscosity modifier suitable for rinse-off applications in personal care products. It offers benefits such as excellent flowability, superior suspension, and improved thickness while providing a light and soft feel to the product.

Carbopol® Aqua CC polymer is a liquid rheology modifier, specifically a hydrophobically modified polyacrylate crosspolymer. It is designed to offer cationic compatibility, smooth flow, shear-thinning rheology, suspension capabilities, and high clarity for low pH applications. This polymer is an excellent option for thickening both surfactant-based and highly active cosmetic aqueous formulations. It is particularly well-suited for facial and body treatments, scrubs, and formulations containing high levels of cosmetic acids.

Carbopol® Ultrez 10 polymer is an industry-standard self-wetting rheology modifier known for its excellent short flow and high viscosity performance. It is a white powder composed of crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymerized in a cosolvent system that prioritizes safety. This polymer offers self-wetting properties and produces minimal dust, making it incredibly easy to use and process efficiently. It is a highly efficient rheology modifier capable of providing high viscosity and forming clear gels, hydroalcoholic gels, and creams.

Novethix™ L-10 polymer is a highly efficient, hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion polymer specifically designed for structuring a wide range of cleansing formulations containing anionic, nonionic, and zwitterionic surfactants. This polymer works synergistically with electrolytes and is an easy-to-use, cold-processable liquid. It does not require heat and has a short mixing time, simplifying the formulation process. Novethix™ L-10 polymer offers the convenience of being in liquid form, further enhancing its usability.

Promulgen™ D nonionic emulsifier is ethoxylated cetearyl alcohol compounded with cetearyl alcohol. It is 100% active and is supplied as a waxy solid. Its excellent stability at pH levels of 3–12 makes it particularly useful in applications such as depilatories. Also, due to its viscosity-building properties, it is recommended for use in hair relaxers and conditioners.

Chemoxide™ CAW surfactant is an excellent choice for mild, low-irritation formulations such as shampoos, facial cleansers, and bath products. It is a surfactant derived from coconut oil. This surfactant helps build viscosity and boost foam over a broad pH range.

Amidex™ CME surfactant is a naturally derived viscosity builder, foam enhancer, and stabilizer. It can be used in shower gels, shampoos, hand soaps, skin cleansers, and other cleansing products when a tight, dense, luxurious foam is desired. It is 100% coconut oil-derived.

Carbopol® Ultrez 30 polymer is a white powder consisting of a cross-linked homopolymer of polyacrylic acid polymerized in a toxicologically preferred cosolvent system. It offers good electrolyte tolerance and high thickening performance over a wide pH range. It provides a rich and distinct sensory experience in challenging skin care formulations. Carbopol® Ultrez 30 polymer enables formulators to achieve desired rheological and esthetic properties even in the presence of electrolytes or acidic actives required for consumer products. Its high electrolyte tolerance and broad pH compatibility make it ideal for formulating products with botanical extracts, water-soluble salts, and acidic ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, or organic acid preservatives at pH levels as low as 4.0–4.5.

Kelco-Care™ diutan gum is a water-soluble biopolymer produced by fermentation, specifically designed for use in cosmetics and personal care applications. It exhibits exceptional thermal stability and is compatible with high levels of alcohol and polyols. Kelco-Care™ diutan gum is readily biodegradable and offers innovative technology for formulating personal care products.

Carbopol® ETD 2020 polymer is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid copolymer that has been polymerized in a cosolvent system preferred for its low toxicity. It is an easy-to-disperse white powder. This polymer is specifically designed to thicken surfactant systems. It offers excellent thickening efficiency, suspending capability, long viscous flow, and sparkling clarity in gel systems. It is recommended for various applications, including clear gels, hydro-alcoholic gels, surfactant systems (such as specialty shampoos and cleaning products), and high electrolyte systems like aloe gels.

Carbopol® Aqua SF-3 polymer is a novel, liquid acrylic rheology modifier designed for high-clarity, water-thin surfactant formulations. It offers elegant flow and the ability to suspend insoluble aqueous insoluble ingredients. Additionally, this rheology modifier demonstrates broad compatibility with packaging dispensers, enhancing its versatility and applicability across various product formulations.

Carbopol® Aqua SF-1 polymer is a liquid acrylic rheology modifier that is lightly crosslinked. It is designed to suspend, stabilize, thicken, and enhance the appearance of surfactant-based personal cleansing products and soap-based cleansing systems. This cost-effective and easy-to-use product offers exceptional clarity around neutral pH and is considered the gold standard for thickening and suspending surfactant systems with high surfactant content.

Glucamate™ LT thickener is a naturally-derived ingredient composed of methyl glucose ether esterified with oleic acid. It is available as a 40% active liquid and serves as a highly efficient associative thickener. This nonionic liquid is gentle on the skin and offers anti-irritant properties. Glucamate™ LT thickener is compatible with most ingredients found in liquid surfactant systems. It contributes to the sensory experience by retaining lather and providing a light afterfeel. It is commonly used in shower gels, facial cleansers, and shampoos.

Carbopol® Aqua SF-2 polymer is an acrylates crosspolymer and liquid rheology modifier specifically designed for high-clarity surfactant cleansing formulations with moderately low pH levels ranging from 4 to 6. It provides elegant flow, viscosity enhancement, and the ability to suspend visually appealing insoluble ingredients. This polymer allows formulators to incorporate food-grade preservatives like sodium benzoate. It offers superior suspension and high clarity within the pH range of 4 to 6, enabling the inclusion of colorful beads, sparkling pearls, and exfoliating scrubs. Moreover, it facilitates "preservative-free" and "skin-neutral pH" claims in clear bath gels, shampoos, and cleansers.

ESAFLOR® HDR is a non-ionic, high molecular weight bio-based polymer, derived from guar gum. Excellent thickener for solutions containing high alcohol or glycol content. Ideal, for example, for hand sanitizers with a soft skin feel. Physical form: powder, 100%

ESAFLOR® PLUS is a highly charged cationic bio-based polymer, derived from guar gum. Ideal for thick, ethnic or damaged hair. It ensures excellent conditioning properties and high deposition of water-insoluble actives. Suitable for conditioning shampoos, cream rinses, hair treatments and conditioners, bath and shower products and other personal care products. Manufactured sustainable Esaflor® ZERO-X Tecnology. Physical form: powder, 100%

Esaflor® PURE is a cationic bio-based derivative of guar gum, specifically developed for clear formulations. It offers moderate conditioning properties, making it ideal for everyday use and conditioning shampoos. In skin cleansing formulations, such as shower gels, body washes, and liquid soaps, it can increase mildness towards the skin. Manufactured sustainable Esaflor® ZERO-X technology. Physical form: powder, 100%

ESAFLOR® ZERO-X is a cationic bio-based derivative of guar gum, with high molecular weight and medium cationic substitution. It is self-hydrating, requiring no pH adjustment for its dissolution in water. It offers optimal conditioning properties for hair and skin care products, as well as deposition of water-insoluble actives. Ideal for everyday-use shampoos. Suitable for conditioning shampoos, cream rinses, bath and shower products and other personal care products. Manufactured sustainable Esaflor® ZERO-X Tecnology. Physical form: powder, 100%

VISCOLAM® B25 is an acrylic rheologyy modifiers, highly effective as a thickener for crystal clear formultions above pH 7.5, with smooth honey-like flow. Ideal for high pH toiletries formulations and for clear gels. Physical form: liquid, 30% dispersion

ESAFLOR® HM 22 is is a non-ionic, high molecular weight bio-based polymer, derived from guar gum. Excellent emulsification-aid for O/W emulsions, with optimal thickening and stabilizing properties. It works in sinergy with the cmost commonly used emulsifiers, helping delivering stable emulsions with tunable texture. A good compatibility with electrolytes completes its applicative behaviour. It also ensures a smooth skin feel, for a pleasant sensorial appeal. Physical form: powder, 100%