Carbomer 2020, Carbopol Ultrez 20, and Carbopol Ultrez 21 as Emulsifiers

Carbomer 2020, Carbomer U20 (equivalent to Carbopol Ultrez 20), and Carbomer U21 (equivalent to Carbopol Ultrez 21) are primarily gelling agents and thickeners for water-based formulations. They are designed to create clear gel textures and increase the viscosity of aqueous solutions. These polymers do not have the ability to emulsify or bind oil and water together. Their main function is to form a gel in the water phase.

Polymers for Oil Binding (Emulsification/Stabilization)

Regarding your search for polymers that can bind oil but are not classified as traditional emulsifiers, it's important to clarify that any substance capable of binding oil and water is, by definition, acting as an emulsifier or an emulsion stabilizer.

We offer several polymeric ingredients that function as emulsifiers or emulsion stabilizers, which might be what you are looking for:

• Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate: This is a water-in-oil emulsifier that helps bind water and oil phases. It is used in various make-up formulas.
• Novemer™ CS Polymer: This is a versatile polymeric emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer. It is highly compatible with pigments and can be used in low to high viscosity gels and emulsions, imparting a watery and refreshing sensory feel.

While these products are indeed classified as emulsifiers, they are polymeric in nature and effectively help to combine or stabilize oil and water phases in your formulations. If you are looking for a polymer that can thicken the oil phase specifically, that would be a different category of ingredient (oil thickeners) rather than an emulsifier.

For further assistance with your specific formulation needs, please feel free to contact our technical team. You can find links to all mentioned products below this answer.