Products in Personal Care: Viscosity Modifier

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.

Matrifuse™ S-1 dispersant is a high-performance dispersing additive specifically designed for pigmented skin care applications. It effectively separates the agglomeration of pigment particles and significantly reduces the viscosity of dispersions. Matrifuse™ S-1 dispersant allows for higher pigment loading, enhances uniform coverage, and improves product sensory attributes. It offers convenient handling and improved low-temperature stability to prevent crystallization and settling.

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.

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.

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.

Pemulen™ TR-2 polymeric emulsifier is a similar high-molecular-weight, crosslinked copolymer to Pemulen™ TR-1. It is also designed to create stable and mild oil-in-water emulsions at low usage levels. However, it provides low-viscosity emulsions, particularly suitable for skin care applications using a spray mechanism.

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.

PemuPur™ START polymer is a unique natural-derived polymeric emulsifier that provides excellent stabilization capabilities at low use levels while offering a fresh and quick break sensory. It has 96% Natural origin content (ISO 16128), is readily biodegradable (OECD 301 B), and is vegan.

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® 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.

Fixate™ Freestyle polymer is a liquid latex emulsion polymer that, when combined with Carbopol® rheology modifiers, allows for the creation of styling products with customizable hold strength ranging from normal to ultra-high stiffness. It offers a variety of features and benefits, including anti-pollution properties that provide protection against particle adhesion and facilitate easier removal during rinsing. This polymer can be easily removed with shampoo and allows for easy distribution throughout the hair, providing flexibility and versatility in hairstyling.

Carbopol® Clear polymer is a versatile and unique polymer created to provide exclusive wet styling textures. It is a crosslinked homopolymer of acrylic acid polymerized in a preferred cosolvent system. It has been optimized to deliver outstanding performance in wet styling formulations. The ability to build high viscosity at lower polymer solids, extraordinary clarity, and extremely fast dispersion times make it ideal for wet styling applications. The polymer has been specially formulated to create distinctive textures by varying the polymer concentration. It shows good compatibility and synergy with Fixate™ Polymers.

Schercemol™ SHS ester is a naturally-derived, soft emollient that liquefies upon contact with the skin. It has excellent spreading properties and is recommended for use in moisturizing lotions, hair pomades and conditioners, liquid make-up, cream powders, lipsticks, and lip glosses. Schercemol™ SHS ester is effective in lipsticks and cream makeup formulations as a viscosity builder, anti-tack agent, and anti-grease agent.

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® 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® 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™ VLT thickener is a nonionic, highly efficient associative thickener known for its mildness and anti-irritant properties. It is a 70% active liquid derived from methyl glucose ether esterified with oleic acid. This versatile ingredient is compatible with most liquid surfactant systems and helps maintain lather and a light afterfeel. It is recommended for use in shower gels, facial cleansers, and shampoos.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sensomer™ Tara polymer is a multifunctional, natural film former and thickener with excellent sensory and synergistic behavior with other thickeners, obtained by a 100% mechanical process undertaken on the Tara seed endosperm. COSMOS approved, Vegan suitable, microbiome friendly, readily biodegradable according to OECD 301F, and NOC 100% according to ISO16128. Suitable for skin care, hair care and hair color applications.

Oilkemia™ 5S CC polymer is an oil-soluble rheology modifier renowned for its exceptional thickening prowess, clarity enhancement, suspension capability, and stability assurance. Its application results in captivating textures that grace skincare, sun care, and color cosmetic formulations. This product also boasts a delightful, non-tacky tactile sensation. Notably, it holds CFDA approval, adding to its credibility.

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.

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.

Hydramol™ PGDS ester is a water-soluble emollient that provides moisturization and humectant properties without leaving a greasy residue. It can be used in skin care emulsions, where it delivers emolliency from the water phase upon contact. In hair treatments, its large, branched polymer structure adds body and manageability. Hydramol™ PGDS ester can replace alkanolamides in cleansing systems, providing conditioning, emolliency, viscosity building, and enhanced lather. It is recommended for use in cleansing systems, including hand sanitizer gels, as well as antiperspirant and deodorant applications.

Pemulen™ TR-1 polymer is a high-molecular-weight, crosslinked copolymer used as a polymeric emulsifier in oil-in-water emulsions. It is non-ethoxylated and designed to create stable and mild emulsions at low usage levels. Pemulen™ TR-1 polymer is suitable for use in various skin care formulations, providing thickening properties for higher-viscosity emulsions.

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.

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.

Carbopol® 980 polymer is a highly efficient rheology modifier capable of providing high viscosity and forming clear gels, hydroalcoholic gels, and creams. It is a white powder composed of crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymerized in a cosolvent system that prioritizes safety. Its non-drip properties make it ideal for applications such as clear gels, hydroalcoholic gels, creams, and lotions.

Fixate™ PLUS polymer is a liquid latex emulsion polymer that offers a unique combination of soft, touchable hold and rheology modification for hair styling formulations. It provides controlled association with viscosity increases and smooth rheology, resulting in enhanced performance. This polymer is easily removed with shampoo, making it convenient for users. Additionally, its liquid form allows for easy application, and it is suitable for medium- to high-viscosity formulations, further expanding its versatility.