Comparison Overview of Carbopol^® and Pemulen™ Polymers for Topical Applications
Self Wetting Polymers	Ultrez 10 NF
Ethyl Acetate Polymers		974P NF			971P NF
Cosolvent Polymers			5984 EP	980 NF	981 NF	TR-1 NF, TR-2 NF ¹, ETD 2020 NF
Traditional Polymers²		934 NF, 934P NF		940 NF	941 NF	1342 NF
Properties in a Formulated Application
Flow Characteristics	Short	Short	Short	Very Short	Long	Long
Relative Viscosity	High	High	High	Very High	Low	Medium
Suspending Ability (yield value)	High	High	High	High	High	High
Mucilage Clarity	High	Medium	Medium	High	High	High
Relative Ion Tolerance	Low	Low	Low	Low	Medium	High
Relative Shear Tolerance³	Medium	Medium	High	High	Low	Low
Applications
Clear Gels
Hydroalcoholic Gels
Lotions
Creams
Surfactants Systems
High Electrolyte Systems

¹ Pemulen™ Polymers (Pemulen TR-1 NF and TR-2 NF). All other products noted in the table belong to the Carbopol^® polymer product family.
² Traditional polymers are synthesized in benzene. The Carbomers Monograph in the European Pharmacopeia stipulates that benzene is limited to 2 ppm.
³ Prolonged exposure to high shear should be avoided for all carbomers.

Carbopol® and Pemulen™ Products for Topical Applications