Is carbomer carcinogenic. However, carbomer powder is very fine and toxic when inhaled, so w...

Is carbomer carcinogenic. However, carbomer powder is very fine and toxic when inhaled, so wearing gloves, glasses, and a mask is recommended when handling carbomer powder during manufacturing. Those carbomers Jul 29, 2021 · Dimethicone is poorly biodegradable, is expected to persist in the environment, and is expected to be toxic to aquatic organisms. ” These chemicals are in the same family. Benzene is a known human carcinogen that causes leukemia and other blood disorders. 77, No. Carbomer-934 demonstrated low potential for phototoxicity and photo-contact allergenicity. Dec 3, 2025 · In 2020, FDA identified the potential for unacceptable levels of benzene in certain carbomers (which may be used as thickening agents in drugs) based on the allowable limits in USP monographs. These compounds can absorb large amounts of water, increasing in volume up to 1,000 times to form gels and thick solutions that are stable and resistant to spoilage. Specifically, benzene exposure has been linked to blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Key Takeaways Carbomer 940 is a polyvinyl carboxy polymer used for thickening, gelling, and stabilizing in cosmetics and Carbomer is a synthetic polymer that thickens, suspends, and stabilises skincare and cosmetic formulas through a remarkable process of molecular interaction. On the basis of the available information presented and as qualified in the report, it is concluded that the Carbomer (Carbopol) products are safe as cosmetic ingredients. Carbomer is a large polymeric chemical composed of acrylic acid monomers. Carbomers are synthetic ingredients that cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies use in products due to their suspending, emulsifying, and thickening properties. Some Carbomer 974P is a carbomer that is the major non-aqueous component (5% polymer, 94% water) of a proprietary formulation called BufferGel, which also contains dibasic potassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, dibasic sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, monobasic sodium phosphate, and disodium EDTA. 58 / Supersedes: 16-Mar-2024 March 26, 2012 / Rules and Regulation May 14, 2024 · Carbomer 940: it’s what gives your lotions, gels, and topical medications their reliably smooth textures. The thiocarboxanilide derivative UC-781 is a NNRTI characterized by high affinity for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Dec 27, 2023 · Reformulating Drug Products That Contain Carbomers Manufactured With Benzene May 16, 2022 · Carbomer is a term used for a series of polymers primarily made from acrylic acid. Aug 11, 2022 · Not all carcinogens are built the same like Alcohol, Tobacco, radon, etc. Carbomers are white fluffy powders frequently used as gels in cosmetics and personal care products. The Carbomers are white, fluffy powders but are frequently used as gels in cosmetics and personal care products. The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion on the safety of crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers (carbomer) proposed for use as food additive in solid Jan 3, 2024 · On December 28, 2023, the U. According to one supplier, sodium carbomer is advantageous because it does not require an alkaline catalyst to be added to its formulation to thicken it (many other Dec 27, 2023 · The FDA made this determination because benzene is a known human carcinogen, and the Agency seeks to facilitate the transition away from using carbomers manufactured with high levels of benzene. The FDA found that some older carbomer monographs allowed unacceptable levels of benzene and subsequently requested their removal by the U. Many known or suspected carcinogens appear on both organization’s Jun 25, 2025 · What Is Carbomer? Carbomer is the industry name for a group of fluffy white powders made by polymerising acrylic acid and then crosslinking it with a small molecule called pentaerythritol allyl ether. They are widely used as inactive ingredients in drug products as fillers, emulsifiers, gelling agents, and binding agents. What you should know The IARC and NTP act independently. Aug 13, 2024 · Benzene, a known carcinogen, has been discovered in Mucinex (guaifenesin) generics in CVS, Walgreens, Target and other chain stores, Bloomberg reported Aug. Introduction Carbomers are high molecular weight synthetic polymers of acrylic acid, crosslinked with allyl ethers of polyalcohols, and considered non-toxic, biocompatible, and non-irritating [1, 2]. Aug 19, 2024 · Four major retailers were found to be using benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, in the manufacturing of store-brand cold medicine. It is a buffering agent, a microbicide, and a spermicide. Feb 6, 2024 · FDA made this determination because benzene is a known human carcinogen, and the Agency seeks to facilitate the transition away from using carbomers manufactured with high levels of benzene. Carbomer is the trade name for polyacrylic acid. 12. Carbomers — which are thickening Aug 12, 2024 · The generic version of the popular cold and allergy medicine contains the cancer-causing chemical benzene, according to a report. As such, both the International Conference for Harmonisation (ICH) guidance for industry entitled “Q3C -- Tables Carbomers are safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used for its remarkable microgel swelling proper-ties in controlled drug delivery systems [3, 4]. The assessment encompasses data from multiple sources, including in vitro, in vivo, and human studies, to evaluate its potential for adverse effects. Carbomer also has excellent healing effects on skin wounds and is effective in improving various gynecological inflammations. It is a synthetic polymer primarily used as a thickener and stabilizer, and while some concerns regarding its safety have been raised, extensive research and regulatory oversight support its continued use when The monographs recommended for deletion include Carbomer 934P, Carbomer 940, Carbomer 934, Carbomer 1342, and Carbomer 941. 20004 Carbomers Carbomers are acrylic acid polymers that are used for a variety of purposes. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. This network is What is Carbomers in skincare and how does it benefit your skin? Learn about the meaning and benefits of Carbomers on The Pink Foundry website. Carbomers are a class of synthetic polymers commonly used as thickeners, suspending agents, gel bases, emulsifiers, and binding agents The guidance outlines requirements for switching to benzene-free carbomers, emphasizing compliance with good manufacturing practices. Some carbomers are manufactured using benzene as a polymerization solvent, whilst others employ a benzene-free manufacturing process. Overall CARBOMER is of lower concern in food. The Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that carbomer polymers were safe as ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. It has also been used to make medicinal elements — an ingredient called a carbomer in this case — that help medicines become Nov 17, 2025 · In summary, whether carbomer is a "clean ingredient" is not a simple yes or no answer; it depends on the definition of "clean" being used. Carbomer 974P is a carbomer that is the major non-aqueous component (5% polymer, 94% water) of a proprietary formulation called BufferGel, which also contains EWG’s Skin Deep rates thousands of personal care product ingredients, culled from ingredient labels on products, based on hazard information pulled from the scientific literature and industry, academic and regulatory databases. Here are common carcinogens that everyone should be aware of. The Innocent Carbomer is A Threat to Our Ocean While carbomers are generally safe for our skin, they pose a serious threat to delicate marine life and the oceans. It functions as a gelling agent, an emulsifier suspending insoluble solids in liquid, preventing the oil and water in your skincare products from separating. The Carbomers are synthetic, high molecular weight, nonlinear polymers of acrylic acid, cross-lin ked with a polyalkenyl polyether. Jul 3, 2025 · What is it? Carbomer is a high molecular weight polymer compound used commonly in the cosmetic industry. Aug 16, 2024 · Bloomberg reported Monday that, according to an analysis of government data, store-brand generic versions of extended-release Mucinex made by Amneal contain an ingredient called a carbomer that is Feb 20, 2026 · What is it? Carbomer is a high molecular weight polymer compound used commonly in the cosmetic industry. Cosmetics and personal care products are not required to be tested for safety before being allowed on the market. To penetrate the markets, manufacturers must ensure that drug products comply with the local regulations. It comes in the form of white fluffy powder, but in the cosmetic industry, it is used in the form of gel or liquid. Similar to other microplastics, carbomers slide off your skin, down the drain, and into our oceans. Nov 23, 2025 · A safety concern arose regarding older carbomer formulations in pharmaceuticals due to benzene contamination, a known carcinogen. This study aimed to reveal toxicity target organs and the toxicity dose-response in the long-term administration of The toxic effects were observed only with high concentrations of the drug and not with low ones such that are taken orally. Called “synthetic polymers,” they are man-made polymers—chemicals made of a large number of similar units bonded together—typically derived from petroleum oil. Other decomposition products - no data available. The FDA's action is in response to the detection of benzene in personal care products, highlighting the carcinogenic risks associated with its absorption through the skin. More information on each of these known and probable human carcinogens can be found on their websites. What are Carbomers and why do some contain benzene? Carbomers are a group of polymers that are widely used as inactive ingredients in drug products as fillers, emulsifiers, gelling agents, and binding agents. Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer found in a wide range of cosmetics and personal care products. Carbomer is formed from the monomer, acrylic acid, which is polymerised and crosslinked with allyl pentaerythritol (APE). ” Aug 12, 2024 · Millions of Americans who buy the store-brand option at various major chains are unknowingly choosing a drug that risks containing a potent carcinogen, according to a Bloomberg analysis. Carbomer is a term used for a series of polymers primarily made from acrylic acid. May 8, 2023 · FDA said when switching to non-benzene-containing grades of carbomers, applicants and manufacturers should evaluate the effects of these changes on the identity, strength, quality, purity, and potency of the drug product. Jan 22, 2024 · Implementation Without Prior Public Comment: Given the urgency of addressing benzene, a known human carcinogen, the FDA has implemented this guidance without prior public comment. Oct 13, 2025 · Is Carbomer Toxic For Skin? Carbomers are polymers derived from acrylic acid, widely utilized in various products as emulsifiers, thickeners, suspenders, and binders. This chemical by-product of ethoxylation (an ingredient processing method used to make petro-ingredients less irritating to skin) is determined by the U. Another significant benefit of carbomer is its safety and tolerance on the skin. In calculating an overall ingredient score multiple findings of low concern may lead to an overall moderate concern rating, or multiple moderate concerns may lead to a high concern rating. What is Carbomer? Carbomer sits on number 2 of the top 10 most common microplastics found in our registered products. May 29, 2024 · Carbomer is a term used for a series of polymers primarily made from acrylic acid. Unlike active ingredients that offer results-driven value to a product, carbomers are inactive ingredients that help active ingredients work better. Carbomers are a group of polymers composed of acrylic acid. Carbomer is a generic name for a family of synthetic polymers that are widely used as thickening, suspending, and stabilizing agents in a variety of industries including cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. When not in solution, they carbomers exist as a white powder. Aug 20, 2024 · Store-brand versions of Mucinex sold at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Rite Aid contain benzene, a known carcinogen that can cause leukemia and other blood disorders, Bloomberg reported. DEA, TEA, MEA. To learn more about these agencies and how they study and classify cancer causes, see Determining if Something Is a Carcinogen. Mar 18, 2024 · Carbomer is a key ingredient in many personal care products, serving as a thickener and stabilizer to enhance the texture of creams, gels, and lotions. Mar 5, 2024 · How is Carbomer used in Skin care? This in-depth article covers carbomers use extensively from its efficacy, safety and more. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be a likely human carcinogen. Formaldehyde is an impurity released by certain synthetic preservatives, like urea. For more details read EWG's ingredient Description: This report provides a comprehensive safety assessment of Carbomer 934, a high molecular weight polymer widely used in various cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. avoid use of these carbomers. DIMETHICONE. Nov 19, 2025 · Historically, carbomers could contain residual benzene, a known human carcinogen, from the manufacturing process. This guide unpacks the science behind Carbomer 940, a vital player in product formulation, and shares essential handling practices to maximize its benefits safely. Dec 12, 2024 · Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Carbomer is a natural medicinal ingredient with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Sodium carbomer functions as a stabilizer and film-forming agent in skin care products. Mar 27, 2025 · What is it? Carbomer is a high molecular weight polymer compound used commonly in the cosmetic industry. Oct 12, 2025 · Is Carbomer Safe in Skincare? Decoding the Controversy Yes, carbomer is generally considered safe for use in skincare products in the concentrations typically found in cosmetics. FORMALDEHYDE. See how this product scores for common concerns. They are widely used in drug products as fillers, emulsifiers, gelling agents, and binding agents. Sep 4, 2024 · The chemical is classified as a human carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer. On the basis of the available information presented and as qualified in the report, it is concluded that the Carbomers are safe as cosmetic ingredients. Jan 11, 2024 · According to the FDA, carbomers manufactured with benzene that are used in FDA-regulated drug products may fall under the United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) monographs Carbomer 934, Carbomer 934P, Carbomer 940, Carbomer 941, or Carbomer 1342. It is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as a thickening, dispersing, suspending, and emulsifying agent. About 11% of products have carbomer in their ingredient list. Diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) are ammonia compounds used as emulsifiers and foaming agents in cosmetics. Carbomers absorb and hold water. Carbomer is a synthetic high molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. Beat the Microbead states that carbomer is the second most prevalent microplastic detected in our registered items - number two on Apr 11, 2025 · Carbomer is a high molecular weight polymer compound used commonly in the cosmetic industry. 1,4 DIOXANE. Why Benzene Is Used in Generic Medicines The problem with benzene in generic cold medications has to do with an ingredient called carbomer. They are used in pharmaceutical processes as suspending agents, gel bases, emulsifiers, and binding agents. The extent of swelling in carbomers in an aqueous medium depends upon various factors Jan 16, 2026 · Carbomer is a thickening agent that helps improve the texture of the products and also binds the other ingredients together - preventing them from separating. 555 13th Street, NW, Suite 300W Washington, D. Discover our commitment to safe cosmetics through our extensive ingredient screening process. Following recommendations from regulatory bodies like the FDA and CIR Expert Panel, manufacturers have significantly reduced or eliminated benzene content in modern carbomer production. Carbomer is a synthetic polymer often used as a thickening agent in shampoos, shower gels, moisturizers, serums, and eye creams. Carbomer is a texture enhancer primarily used to create clear gel-like formulations. Pharmacopeia. FDA is evaluating the root cause of benzene contamination in certain drugs and alerting drug manufacturers to the risk of benzene contamination from drug components Aug 12, 2024 · A generic CVS brand of decongestant comparable to MucinexCredit: CVS Benzene is known to lead to the development of blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma but is still used in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber, and various other chemicals. Carbomer 980 QD Date: 20-Feb-2025 Safety Data Sheet according to Federal Register / Vol. Carbomers can be found in a wide variety of product types including skin, hair, nail, and makeup products, as well as dentifrices. Carbomer is not suspected to be an environmental toxin, bioaccumulative, or toxic to organ systems (non-reproductive). Learn more about our standards and the ingredients we don't allow. The name-brand and generic versions use a carbomer powder to achieve the drug’s extended-release benefits. Under fire conditions, may decompose and emit toxic fumes. They are widely used as ing agents, and binding agen as inactive ingr as a polymerization solvent. C. Research indicates that they are generally nonirritating to the skin, with health experts deeming them safe and nontoxic for humans. Aug 16, 2024 · NPR’s Ailsa Chang speaks with Anna Edney, health care reporter with Bloomberg, about her reporting on how some generic versions of cold medicine contain a cancer-causing chemical. However, as noted by regulatory agencies and cosmetic information sites, modern carbomer is manufactured using different methods that have eliminated or significantly reduced the presence of benzene. Carbomer may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, or lungs, but the risk is considered low. Jun 30, 2025 · What Is Sodium Carbomer? Sodium Carbomer is a synthetic polymer made by linking molecules of acrylic acid and a crosslinker called trimethylolpropane triacrylate, then neutralising the result with a sodium compound. Carbomer is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is unlikely to cause allergic reactions or sensitivities, providing peace of mind for those with delicate skin. Benzene is a known human carcinogen. These monographs allow benzene levels as high as 5,000 parts per million (ppm). It is used to create a soft, smooth feel on skin and hair. Health and safety, common uses, other names and ingredient information for Carbomer. Recent product recalls due to benzene contamination may be related to inactive ingredients such as carbomers The safety of the carbomer has been assessed by the Expert Panel of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety. There are carbomers currently used as inactive ingredients that are manufactured using benzene as a polymerization solvent. Aug 12, 2024 · While it may seem like the only difference between extended-release Mucinex and its generic store-brand counterpart is the price tag, the latter potentially exposes users to a deadly cancer Sodium carbomer is a blend of sodium (salt) and carbomer. On the surface, this may seem ok, but these carbomers are often lower-cost for a reason – they may be made using materials and techniques that render them toxic, low quality and unsafe for human consumption. The final guidance includes recommended reporting categories and documentation needed to reformulate with different dosage The Carbomers are synthetic, high molecular weight, nonlinear polymers of acrylic acid, cross-lin ked with a polyalkenyl polyether. Carbomers are white, fluffy powders but are frequently used as gels in cosmetics and personal care products. Nov 13, 2022 · What Is Carbomer? Carbomer is the commonly used name for an ingredient called polyacrylic acid (PAA). Acute oral animal studies showed that Carbomers-910, -934, -934P, -940, and -941 have low toxicities when ingested. The result is a large web-like structure that swells in water and traps liquid, letting formulators turn watery solutions into smooth gels. In this guide, we dive into the specifics of “what is Carbomer”, its crucial role in cosmetic formulations, and what you can expect from its use without any fluffy add-ons […] Jul 15, 2024 · Introduction Carbomers are high molecular weight synthetic polymers of acrylic acid, crosslinked with allyl ethers of polyalcohols, and considered non-toxic, biocompatible, and non-irritating [1, 2]. Dec 28, 2023 · Carbomers are a group of polymers composed of acrylic acid. Aug 11, 2021 · The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion on the safety of crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers (carbomer) proposed for use as food additive in solid Mar 15, 2022 · Look at these same products—or in your shampoo or styling gel—and you may see an ingredient called “carbomer. The overall ingredient concern is determined by using a weight of evidence evaluation of the known safety or hazards. It is used for its remarkable microgel swelling properties in controlled drug delivery systems [3, 4]. Aug 12, 2024 · Bloomberg’s analysis found a few dozen drugs besides generic Mucinex that still contain carbomers made using benzene including Walgreens’ version of Anbesol, an oral pain reliever; Walmart’s Carbomer gel is a water-soluble polymeric resin that has been reported to maintain the tear film in contact with the eye for an extended period. Jan 3, 2024 · Benzene is a known human carcinogen. It is a known carcinogen, gastrointestinal and liver toxicant, and neurotoxin. From a human safety standpoint, carbomer is largely considered safe, non-toxic, and non-irritating for most users, with its safety profile affirmed by regulatory agencies. They are primarily added to gel-like formulations, such as facial moisturizers, sunscreens, shampoos, anti-aging formulations, cleansers, and EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning is a free, searchable online tool providing consumers with safety ratings for common household cleaners. The focus is on expediting the discontinuation of using carbomers manufactured with high levels of benzene, utilizing a risk-based approach. In this regard, four hydrogel-type formulations were manufactured, all of which were based on carbomer Nov 17, 2025 · Are carbomers unhealthy or safe? Find out about the safety of carbomer in cosmetics and medicine, including its potential for skin irritation, regulatory status, and environmental concerns regarding microplastics. They are also used as artificial tears. The lists below are from IARC and NTP. It is effective in alleviating eye inflammation, reducing pain and redness. This turns the parent carbomer into a sodium salt, allowing it to dissolve in water and swell into a clear, cushiony gel. Aug 11, 2021 · The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion on the safety of crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers (carbomer) proposed for use as food additive in solid and liquid food supplements. The efficacy and safety of this new artificial tear were assessed. Let's take a look at the science behind how carbomer works, including polymer structure, swelling and hydration, neutralisation, three-dimensional networks, thickening and texture enhancement, and suspension and stability. It is non-toxic and non-irritating, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. A multicenter, single-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study was carried out on 123 patients with moderate-to-severe dry eyes. We developed a highly stable recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor (rh-aFGF) carbomer 940 hydrogel for wound healing. The Carbomer polymers are used in cosmetics and emulsifying agents at concentrations up to 50%. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of a new guidance document that provides recommendations for drug manufacturers on the reformulation of drug products that contain carbomers manufactured with benzene. . Nov 19, 2025 · Early carbomer production methods included the use of benzene, a known human carcinogen, which could leave trace amounts as an impurity. Carbomer is a group of synthetic high molecular weight polymers of acrylic acid used in cosmetics and skincare products as thickening agents. EWG’s Skin Deep rates thousands of personal care product ingredients, culled from ingredient labels on products, based on hazard information pulled from the scientific literature and industry, academic and regulatory databases. Determining the safety of a newly developed experimental product is a crucial condition for its medical use, especially for clinical trials. Jan 15, 2021 · The blank carbomer gel was only slightly toxic toward both cell lines, although it appears that keratinocytes were more sensitive to it than the SCC-25 cells (Figure 4). rus oaa bcgtp kkvr iosqxt yyfsqw tiveja cpermfe tdvg pqwr