AM-U20 is a powder interpolymer carbomer built for formulations that need to stay clear and stable even when electrolytes are present — a common challenge in shampoos, gels, and skin/hair care formulations that include salts or other ionic ingredients that would compromise a standard carbomer’s thickening performance.
Product · Carbomer Interpolymer · Personal Care
Carbomer AM-U20 (Interpolymer)
Comparable viscosity profile to industry-standard grades such as Carbopol U20
Technical Specifications
| Appearance | Loose white, slightly acidic powder |
|---|---|
| Viscosity (mPa·s) | 47,000 – 77,000 |
| Light transmittance (420 nm) | ≥90% |
| Salt-tolerant viscosity (mPa·s) | ≥4,000 |
| CAS Number | 9007-20-9 |
Appearance
Loose white, slightly acidic powder
Viscosity (mPa·s)
47,000 – 77,000
Light transmittance (420 nm)
≥90%
Salt-tolerant viscosity (mPa·s)
≥4,000
CAS Number
9007-20-9
Key Applications
Shampoos & Hair Care Gels
Thickener for shampoo and hair styling gel formulations, including electrolyte-containing hair care gels where standard carbomers would lose viscosity.
Shower Gels
Suitable for shower gel formulations requiring both high clarity and salt tolerance.
Creams & Lotions
Used as a thickener in cream and lotion formulations where a stable, high-transparency gel structure is needed.
Electrolyte-Containing Skin & Hair Care Gels
Maintains thickening and clarity performance in formulations containing electrolytes, a common formulation challenge for standard carbomer grades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the primary positioning of AM-U20?
AM-U20 is a rapid-wetting interpolymer that combines salt and ion resistance with noticeably faster hydration during manufacturing. It is the practical choice for personal care systems where dispersion time is the bottleneck on your line, or where the formulation carries a higher ionic load than a standard homopolymer handles.
How does AM-U20 relate to AM-U10, AM-U21, and AM-SF1?
The interpolymer family covers several models within the same 45,000–77,000 Cp band. AM-U10, AM-U20, and AM-U21 are dry-powder rapid-wetting grades that perform close to each other; the practical difference comes down to hydration rate and processing preference. AM-SF1 is the liquid exception — a pre-neutralized liquid carbomer that hydrates instantly, for processes that skip dry-powder dispersion entirely.
Why is ion resistance important in a carbomer grade?
Many personal care formulations contain electrolytes (salts, ionic surfactants, or actives) that interfere with standard carbomer thickening. AM-U20’s ion resistance means it maintains viscosity and gel clarity even in the presence of these ingredients, which standard homopolymer grades typically cannot do.
Is AM-U20 suitable for clear gel formulations?
Yes. AM-U20 offers high light transmittance (≥90% at 420 nm), making it suitable for formulations where visual clarity is a priority.
Is this grade benzene-free?
Yes. It's manufactured using an ethyl acetate/cyclohexane co-solvent system or pure ethyl acetate as the polymerization solvent, with low solvent residue compliant with current regulatory requirements.
Do you provide certificates of analysis for each batch?
Yes, a batch-specific COA is provided with every shipment, along with ISO certification and MSDS/TDS on request.