Comparing Carbomer vs Pro Polymer for Gel Mask Formulation Stability and Active Delivery

Hello, thank you for your question.

Based on the information you and the staff provided, the difference in performance between Pro Polymer and Carbomer regarding the delivery of active ingredients into the skin can be explained as follows:

Generally, the gel structure formed by Carbomer or Pro Polymer does not have a specific property that directly "pushes" active ingredients into the skin. The main role of these polymers is to create a stable gel "vehicle" or "base" that holds the active ingredient within the product and allows the active ingredient to come into contact with the skin and be released to exert its effects.

The difference in performance regarding active ingredient delivery is therefore not about which polymer inherently delivers actives "better," but rather about the polymer's ability to create and maintain a suitable and compatible gel structure for your active ingredient and other ingredients in the formula.

• Carbomer: Has limitations regarding pH (works well within a limited pH range), electrolyte tolerance (salts), and oil emulsification capability. If your face mask gel formula contains an active ingredient that requires a pH range where Carbomer is unstable, has a high electrolyte content, or needs to emulsify a significant amount of oil, Carbomer may not be able to create a stable gel. This can lead to uneven distribution of the active ingredient, separation, or degradation, negatively impacting its effectiveness in delivering the active ingredient to the skin.
• Pro Polymer: Excels in its high flexibility, usable across a wide range of pH levels, good tolerance to electrolytes, and ability to emulsify higher proportions of oil. This capability allows Pro Polymer to create a stable gel structure in more complex formulas or those containing active ingredients that require specific conditions that Carbomer cannot support. When the gel is stable, the active ingredient remains in good condition and is ready to interact with the skin to exert its full effect.

In summary: Pro Polymer does not inherently deliver active ingredients into the skin "better" than Carbomer. However, Pro Polymer has a greater ability to create a stable gel base that is compatible with active ingredients and other ingredients across a wider range of conditions than Carbomer. This stability of the gel is a crucial factor that helps the active ingredient function and be effectively delivered to the skin.

The choice of which to use depends on the type of active ingredient and all other ingredients in your face mask gel formula. If the active ingredient and other components are compatible with Carbomer's limitations, Carbomer can be used. However, if your formula contains ingredients that fall outside Carbomer's limitations, using Pro Polymer will result in a more stable gel, which will benefit the overall product performance and active ingredient delivery.

I hope this explanation is helpful. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!