Carbopol® Ultrez 20 Polymer

Carbopol® Ultrez 20 polymer is a hydrophobically-modified, cross-linked acrylate copolymer that’s revolutionized the way formulators create creams, gels, shampoos, and lotions.

Why It’s a Game-Changer

• Effortless Incorporation
  Being self-wetting, it disperses in water in minutes without vigorous agitation, saving hours in production time prod.lubrizol.com+4lubrizol.com+4Pharma Excipients+4.

• Electrolyte & Surfactant Friendly
  Unlike traditional carbomers that destabilize easily, Ultrez 20 tolerates up to ~10–12% surfactants and significant electrolytes, making it ideal for shampoos, shower gels, and botanical-rich formulas .

• Rich Texture & Clarity
  It delivers a silky, luxurious skin feel in emulsions and emulsified a clear gel even in hydroalcoholic systems—appealing to both formulators and consumers knowde.com+7treasureactives.com+7Dermafactors+7prod.lubrizol.com+10lubrizol.com+10Pharma Excipients+10.

• Stabilizes Actives & Beads
  This polymer suspends microbeads, microcapsules, and exfoliants, preventing separation and ensuring consistency in visual products like scrubs and gel masks knowde.com+7lubrizol.com+7newdirectionsaromatics.ca+7.

• Broad pH Window
  Unlike many thickeners, it remains stable from pH 4 to 9, enabling flexible formulation paths from acidic cleansers to mildly alkaline gels Reddit+10treasureactives.com+10knowde.com+10.

Core Functions in Personal Care

• Rheology Modifier
  Tailors viscosity—from light gels to rich creams—while maintaining smooth flow and pumpability Reddit+15lubrizol.com+15treasureactives.com+15.

• Thickener & Stabilizer
  Controls texture and ensures homogeneous appearance, especially under heat and freeze–thaw cycles www.personalcaremagazine.com.

• Suspending Agent
  Keeps solid inclusions (e.g., titanium dioxide beads or botanical powder) evenly distributed.

🔬 Key Technical Highlights

 

📦 Formulation Examples

Below are real-world applications showcasing Ultrez 20’s versatility:

1. Silkens™ Conditioning Shampoo

• Benefit: Stabilizes silicone quaternary conditioners without foam suppression.

• Usage: ~0.4% polymer with SLES and cocoamido MEA; results in glossy, hydrating shampoo Reddit+15www.personalcaremagazine.com+15Dermafactors+15.

2. Ultra-Mild Shower Cream

• Benefit: Delivers creamy, lotion-like texture without heavy oils.

• Mechanism: Thickens surfactant blend while tolerating botanical extracts.

3. Hydroalcoholic Hand Sanitizer Gel

• Benefit: Achieves clear gel clarity and gel consistency.

• Note: Requires appropriate neutralizer (e.g., TEA) to preserve gel integrity newdirectionsaromatics.ca+1Namsiang+1knowde.com+3treasureactives.com+3knowde.com+3Reddit+1Reddit+1.

4. Exfoliating Facial Wash

• Benefit: Maintains uniform suspension of exfoliant particles.

• Result: Visible, premium-looking product with no settling.

🛠️ How to Formulate with Ultrez 20

1. Dispersion
   Sprinkle onto water and allow self-wetting for ~5 minutes Dermafactors+2treasureactives.com+2knowde.com+2.

2. Gentle Mixing
   Begin low-speed stirring—avoid foam to preserve clarity.

3. Incorporate Surfactants
   Add after wetting to keep viscosity stable.

4. Neutralization
   Use TEA, NaOH, or AMP to elevate pH (~6.5–7.5) and activate thickening knowde.comReddit.

5. Add Oils/Actives
   Once neutralized, incorporate oils, botanicals, or humectants; viscosity remains stable.

6. Adjust Final pH
   Keep within 4–9 to maintain thickening and clarity.

✨ Benefit Insights

• Fast Processing: Self-wetting eliminates need for prolonged mixing.

• Clear vs. Creamy Flexibility: Adapt texture depending on product type (gel vs. lotion).

• Improved Sensory Feel: Creates richer rubout in creams, more slip in body washes newdirectionsaromatics.caReddit+5Reddit+5treasureactives.com+5Dermafactors+7lubrizol.com+7knowde.com+7.

• Stable with Humectants: Blends well in formulas with glycerin, sodium PCA, etc., thanks to strong electrolyte tolerance.

• Actives Carriage: Great for suspending beads, microspheres, SPF particles—ideal for premium formulas.

💼 Marketed Products That Use Carbopol Ultrez 20

• Premium Shampoos & Conditioners – offer hydrated sheen without stickiness.

• Facial & Body Washes – deliver clear, luxurious cleansing gels.

• Emollient Lotions & Creams – provide creamy texture and pleasant skin feel.

• Styling Gels – deliver hold and clarity without flakiness.

• Hand Sanitizers – provide clear, non-sticky finish.

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⚠️ Formulation Tips & Common Pitfalls

• Neutralization is Critical
  Maintain precise pH (6.5–7.5); avoid foaming during neutralizer addition ahualyn.com+5lubrizol.com+5Pharma Excipients+5theformulatorshop.com+3Pharma Excipients+3Dermafactors+3.

• Electrolyte Caution
  Though tolerant, extremely high salt levels (>2%) may reduce viscosity; test each batch.

• Avoid Over-Agitation
  Heavy shear can create foam and reduce clarity; use gentle mixing.

• pH Must Stay Consistent
  Keep pH steady to preserve gel; drifting pH can thin the gel structure treasureactives.comknowde.com.

🌍 Regulatory & Clean-Label Considerations

Carbopol Ultrez 20 is compatible with:

• Halal, Kosher, GMO-free, Cruelty-free, BSE-free and aligns with Credo Clean Standards newdirectionsaromatics.ca+14knowde.com+14treasureactives.com+14.

This makes it suitable for global, ethical beauty brands seeking clarity without compromise.

https://cosmeticgyaan.com/

🧾 Summary: Why Choose Ultrez 20?

• Self-wetting → simplifies manufacturing

• Electrolyte & surfactant tolerant → perfect for modern cleansers

• Clear gels or creamy lotions → multiple sensory finishes

• Suspends particles → supports efficacy and visual appeal

• Broad pH stability → versatile across product formats

• Clean-label friendly → appeals to conscious consumers

✅ Bottom Line

If you’re a formulator crafting shampoos, gels, lotions, creams, or clear hydrogels, Carbopol® Ultrez 20 polymer is a top-tier choice. Its combination of ease-of-use, performance, and sensory elegance make it indispensable in high-quality personal care products.

https://cosmeticgyaan.com/