Desgel HG (Carbomer)

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Desgel HG is a high-purity Carbomer-based thickening agent, widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care formulations. It is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer, neutralized to form high-viscosity gels with excellent clarity and stability. Desgel HG is prized for its thickening, suspending, emulsifying, and stabilizing capabilities, especially in aqueous and hydroalcoholic systems. It is highly efficient at low concentrations and compatible with a wide pH range (when neutralized). This makes it ideal for use in gels, creams, lotions, hand sanitizers, topical formulations, and other semi-solid systems.

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Category: Thickeners Tags: Carbomer gel, Cosmetic ingredients, Desgel HG, Pharmaceutical excipients, Thickening agent

Description

Table of Contents

Desgel HG (Carbomer)

Primary Uses

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Used in gels, creams, lotions, and emulsions as a rheology modifier and texture enhancer.
Provides smooth, luxurious feel and excellent spreadability in skin care products.
Enables clear, stable gel formulations (e.g., aloe vera gels, anti-acne gels, eye gels).
Functions as a suspending agent for actives like salicylic acid, zinc oxide, and clays.
Maintains stability of emulsions by preventing phase separation in oil-in-water (O/W) systems.
Used in alcohol-based hand sanitizers to form thick, transparent gels.

Pharmaceuticals

Used as a gelling agent in topical drug delivery systems (ointments, creams, gels).
Functions as a bioadhesive polymer in ophthalmic, nasal, and vaginal formulations.
Enhances drug release profiles by modifying viscosity and diffusion properties.
Forms stable, pH-sensitive gels, ideal for controlled release applications.

Medical & Hygiene Products

Forms stable gels for ultrasound transmission, surgical lubricants, and wound care gels.
Used in topical anesthetic and antibacterial gels for ease of application and uniform dispersion.

Secondary Uses

Industrial Applications

Used in lubricants, polish emulsions, and aqueous coatings as a thickener.
Applied in battery gel electrolytes and other specialty gel systems.

Household Products

Used in gel-type air fresheners, cleaning pastes, and dishwashing gels.
Functions as a suspending and stabilizing agent in household cleaners.

Food & Beverage (only if food-grade variant)

Note: Not all Carbomers are approved for food use. Food-grade types may serve as stabilizers in chewing gum bases or special applications.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Crosslinked poly(acrylic acid)
Common/Trade Name: Desgel HG
CAS Number: 9003-01-4
HS Code: 3906.90.90
Molecular Formula: (C₃H₄O₂)ₙ (Polyacrylic acid backbone)
Synonyms:
- Carbomer
- Acrylic acid polymer
- Polyacrylic acid (cross-linked)
- Carbopol-type polymer

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: White, fluffy powder or granular solid
Color & Odor: Odorless; white to off-white
pH (0.5% dispersion): 2.5–3.5 (before neutralization)
Viscosity (after neutralization): Up to 70,000–100,000 cps (depending on grade and concentration)
Melting Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Dispersible in water and some polar solvents; swells to form clear gels when neutralized
Stability: Stable at room temperature; sensitive to strong acids, electrolytes, and high temperatures
Thickening Efficiency: Very high (effective at concentrations as low as 0.1–1.0%)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
Exposure Limits: Not established
Toxicity: Non-toxic in topical applications; not absorbed through intact skin
Reactivity: Incompatible with strong oxidizers and acids (can hydrolyze or clump)

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry area away from moisture and ignition sources
Container Type: Paper drums with polyethylene liners or sealed HDPE containers
Shelf Life: 2–3 years if stored properly
Special Handling:
- Avoid inhaling dust; use dust extraction systems when handling bulk powder
- Use PPE when mixing to avoid eye and respiratory irritation
- Hydrate slowly to prevent clumping or lump formation

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

FDA Status: Approved for topical and external pharmaceutical/cosmetic use (not for ingestion unless food-grade variant)
USP/NF Grade: Available in pharma-grade variants
REACH Status: Registered
Transportation: Not regulated as a hazardous material
Waste Disposal: Dispose of according to local environmental regulations; biodegradable in dilute forms

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Low; non-toxic to aquatic life in typical concentrations
Persistence: Biodegradable over time
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Biodegradability: Swellable polymer; not persistent in treated wastewater environments

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment PPE Required:

Dust mask or respirator (for dry handling)
Safety goggles
Gloves (nitrile or latex)
Lab coat or protective apron

Handling Guidelines:

Add powder slowly to water with continuous mixing
Use non-metallic, high-shear mixers to ensure proper hydration
Avoid generating dust clouds
Wash hands thoroughly after handling

Storage Measures:

Keep tightly sealed
Avoid exposure to humidity—absorbs moisture
Store away from oxidizing agents

Hygiene Practices:

Avoid ingestion and inhalation
Use in a clean area to prevent cross-contamination
Do not eat or drink while handling

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; consult physician if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; not expected to be toxic, but consult medical attention for large amounts

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Slightly combustible as dry powder
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or CO₂
Special Precautions: Avoid stirring up powder during firefighting
Decomposition Products: CO, CO₂, and other mild organic vapors upon combustion