Alternatives to Carbomer and Pro Polymer for Alcohol Hand Gel

Besides Carbomer and Pro Polymer, several other thickeners can be used to create alcohol hand gels. Here are some suitable options available:

• AnyGel™ (Dehydroxanthan Gum): This thickener offers good resistance to acids, alkalis, and electrolytes, making it well-suited for alcohol-based formulations where stability can be a challenge. It provides a pleasant, non-greasy gel texture.
• Sepimax Zen: Known for its high tolerance to salts and a wide pH range, Sepimax Zen is another excellent choice for thickening alcohol hand gels, ensuring formulation stability.
• Xanthan Gum: Specifically, the clear gel type of Xanthan Gum can be used. It's a natural gum that creates a gel texture. Compatibility with high alcohol concentrations should be tested.
• Ethylcellulose: This polymer is soluble in organic solvents like alcohol and is effective for thickening alcohol-based systems. Different grades are available depending on the desired viscosity.
• Tara Gel (Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum): While primarily a water gellant, it may be possible to use Tara Gel in alcohol formulations. However, its stability and effectiveness in high alcohol content should be carefully tested.
• Alcohol-Tolerant Carbomers: Certain types of Carbomer, such as Carbomer Ultrez 30 and Carbomer U21, are designed with improved tolerance to electrolytes and a wider pH range. If you prefer using a Carbomer type, these versions are more likely to be stable in alcohol hand gel formulations compared to standard Carbomers.

When selecting a thickener, it's crucial to consider the specific alcohol concentration in your formula and test the chosen thickener's compatibility to ensure desired viscosity and stability.