Comparison of Gel Makers: Pro Polymer™ vs. Carbomer Grades

You've noted that Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker) and some Carbomer Ultrez grades, like Carbomer U21 and U20, share the same INCI name: Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer. While the INCI name indicates the primary chemical structure, different manufacturers and grades can have variations in cross-linking density, molecular weight, and processing, leading to different performance characteristics in formulations. Carbomer 940, for comparison, has a different INCI name (Carbomer).

Here are the key differences in usage and properties:

• INCI Name:

  • Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker): Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
  • Carbomer U21 & U20: Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
  • Carbomer 940: Carbomer (This is a different polymer structure)

• Electrolyte Tolerance:

  • Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker): Has good electrolyte resistance. This means it can maintain its viscosity and gel structure better in formulas containing salts or other electrolytes, which often cause traditional thickeners to lose viscosity.
  • Carbomer U20: Also has good electrolyte tolerance.
  • Carbomer U21: The description doesn't explicitly state "good electrolyte tolerance" but mentions a wide pH range (5-11), which can sometimes correlate with better tolerance compared to Carbomer 940.
  • Carbomer 940: Cannot tolerate electrolytes well, leading to a significant loss of viscosity in their presence.

• pH Requirement for Gelling:

  • Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker): The description doesn't explicitly state the need for alkali neutralization to gel, suggesting it might be different or self-neutralizing.
  • Carbomer U20 & 940: Require neutralization with an alkali (like Triethanolamine or Sodium Hydroxide) to a pH typically in the range of 6-7 to form a gel.
  • Carbomer U21: Works over a wide pH range (5-11) and doesn't explicitly mention alkali neutralization as a strict requirement for gelling, suggesting more flexibility.

• Ease of Dispersion and Mixing:

  • Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker): Requires slow stirring and may take time to dissolve fully. It's recommended to avoid high-speed blending initially or to pre-mix with glycerin/propylene glycol, or even let it soak for a day for full hydration.
  • Carbomer U20: Described as "EasyDisperse," inflating easily and quickly in water, allowing for immediate blending.
  • Carbomer U21: Described as "Self-Wetting," making it easy to blend or stir into water.
  • Carbomer 940: Described as "EasyDisperse™," swelling easily and quickly.

• Texture and Feel:

  • Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker): Can create a creamy, pudding-like texture at higher concentrations (>3%). It may give a slightly sticky feeling initially upon application before drying to a thin coating. It is also suitable for suspending beads in scrub formulas.
  • Carbomer U21: Produces a clear gel texture.
  • Carbomer U20 & 940: Create a gel texture.

• Usage Rate:

  • Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker): 0.5-5%
  • Carbomer U20: 0.5-3%
  • Carbomer U21: 0.1-2%
  • Carbomer 940: 0.5-3%

In summary, while Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker), Carbomer U20, and Carbomer U21 share the same INCI name, they offer different benefits regarding electrolyte tolerance, pH compatibility, ease of dispersion, and the final texture they impart. Pro Polymer and Carbomer U20 are good choices for formulas with electrolytes. Carbomer U21 offers a wide pH range. Pro Polymer is unique in its ability to create creamy/pudding textures at higher concentrations and suspend beads effectively, though it may require more careful dispersion compared to the "EasyDisperse" or "Self-Wetting" Carbomer grades like U20 and U21. Carbomer 940, with a different INCI, is a more traditional Carbomer that is sensitive to electrolytes and low pH.