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Using pre-formulated gels in different cosmetics galenics

Carbomer is a polymer often used as a viscosifying and stabilising agent in the formulation of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

 It is introduced in the form of a gel, with other excipients to confer the product the thicker appearance. Its rheological properties, in terms of consistency and cohesion, are very sensitive to the formulation factors, to the concentration of the carbomer and to the manufacturing process, namely, the temperature and the speed of agitation. 

For the fabrication of a gel based on carbomer, two steps can be critical if they are not well mastered. The first step consists of the hydration of the carbomer, which allows the passage of the powder state (the structure is in a very windy form, low volume) to the hydrated state, in which the polymer gradually begins to unfold and gain volume. During this stage, the carbomer will become more and more sensitive to mechanical constraints. Depending on the speed of agitation and the temperature, the gel can be different. The second step consists of the neutralisation (step of gelation) which forms negative loads along the chain and causes repulsive forces and continues to unfold the structure of the polymer with increased volume and viscosity. The quantity of neutraliser used can be fatal for the gel’s viscosity (the gel can break if the concentration of NaOH is too high). The gel must rest for 24 hours in order to gain a stable pH.1,2

The control of the process of manufacturing polymer-based gels remains a difficult task for the formulator, given the large number of factors likely to alter their rheology behaviour (carbomer concentration, pH).

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Upcoming Events

in-cosmetics Global

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
16th – 18th April 2024

NYSCC Suppliers' Day 2024

Javits Center, New York
1st - 2nd May 2024

9th Anti-Ageing Skin Care Conference

Royal College of Physicians, London
25th - 26th June 2024

in-cosmetics Korea 2024

Hall C, Coex, Seoul, South Korea
24th - 26th July 2024

in-cosmetics Latin America 2024

São Paulo, Brazil
25th - 26th September 2024

IFSCC 2024

Recanto das Cataratas Thermas Resort, Iguazu Falls, Brazil
14th - 17th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Personal Care Magazine on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Personal Care Magazine app from your device's App store

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