Carbopol® Ultrez 20 Polymer
INCI Name:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Carbopol® Ultrez 20 polymer is a hydrophobically modified cross-linked acrylate copolymer. This polymer offers many substantial benefits for formulators and marketers of personal care products. Like other "Ultrez" grade polymers, Carbopol Ultrez 20 polymer is exceptionally easy to use - it self-wets and disperses within minutes.
This rheology modifier and stabilizer also provides electrolyte tolerance and unique sensory benefits in formulations. It can be used in systems with moderate surfactant content, making it an ideal choice for many applications.
Key Benefits of Carbopol Ultrez 20 Polymer
- Pleasing Sensorial Properties: Carbopol Ultrez 20 provides a rich, creamy skinfeel during the rubout phase of applying oil-in-water based creams and lotions. These properties are featured in our SensiMap Formulating Concept.
- Rapid Wetting: The unique structure of Carbopol Ultrez 20 polymer allows for rapid wetting and improved swelling time without the need for agitation. This processing benefit is offered without compromising the performance that the personal care industry expects from the Carbopol polymer product line.
- Efficient Thickening: Carbopol Ultrez 20 polymer provides moderate-to-high viscosity with smooth, long flow properties. It's a versatile product that can be used when your formulations require viscosity and suspending properties. Carbopol Ultrez 20 polymer performs effectively across a broad pH range, making it a versatile ingredient for many applications.
- Stability of Ingredients in Surfactant-Containing Formulations: In shampoo and body wash formulations, Carbopol Ultrez 20 polymer helps to suspend and stabilize beads, microcapsules and exfoliants for excellent product stability and visual appeal. In 2-in-1 formulations, Carbopol Ultrez 20 polymer can stabilize silicone fluids and oils effectively.
- Aesthetic Properties: Carbopol Ultrez 20 polymer exhibits good clarity in gel formulations, along with providing a smooth, aesthetically pleasing gel quality. In creams and lotions, it helps to create emulsions with excellent skin feel.
- Excellent Clarity: Even at high polymer concentration, Carbopol Ultrez 20 polymer maintains superior clarity. It can be used with confidence in systems where sparkling clarity is required.
- Excellent Electrolyte Tolerance: Viscosity, clarity and stability are all maintained in the presence of electrolytes with Carbopol Ultrez 20 polymer. It is ideally suited for use in formulations containing higher levels of oils, botanical ingredients, or humectants like Sodium PCA.
Carbopol Ultrez 20 polymer provides excellent performance in a wide range of products, including:
- Shampoos
- Lotions
- Body washes
- Hair and skin gels
- Bath gels
- Creams
Carbopol® Ultrez 20 polymer is a featured ingredient in the SensiMap™ Formulating Concept.

Carbopol® Ultrez 20 polymer is recommended for hand sanitizer gels.