Is Carbomer safe in cosmetics?
Carbomer has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 3 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Carbomer
Also known as: Acrylic acid, polymers, Acrylic acid homopolymer, Acrylic acid polymer, Acrylic acid resin, Poly(acrylic acid)-butyl acrylate-2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer complex (+15 more)
INCI: CARBOMER
Carbomer (CAS 9003-01-4) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Film-forming polymer; thickener; gelling agent; emulsion stabilizer. Reported NOAEL =53 mg/kg bw/day in Rat (ECHA); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 0.01% concentration threshold; rinse-off (non-scrub) ban from 17 Oct 2027; leave-on ban from 17 Oct 2029; colour cosmetics ban deferred to 17 Oct 2035. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 9003-01-4 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Carbomer is classified GHS Danger (H315, H319, H335, H340, H350) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 0.01% concentration threshold; rinse-off (non-scrub) ban from 17 Oct 2027; leave-on ban from 17 Oct 2029; colour cosmetics ban deferred to 17 Oct 2035.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu status/eu max; Chemicals: ghs classifications.signal word/hazard statement code
Function
Film-forming polymer; thickener; gelling agent; emulsion stabilizer
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
0.01% concentration threshold; rinse-off (non-scrub) ban from 17 Oct 2027; leave-on ban from 17 Oct 2029; colour cosmetics ban deferred to 17 Oct 2035
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR: safe as used (reaffirmed 2003); most widely used acrylates copolymer with 6,434 formulations in VCRP 2018 data; modern grades specify benzene residual well below regulatory limits; no US restriction
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Carbomer.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
3 study endpoints found for Carbomer. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =53 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | reproduction developmental | ECHA |
| NOAEL | =240 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | reproduction developmental | ECHA |
| NOAEL | =460 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | reproduction developmental | ECHA |
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Carbomer, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
0%
Penetration Level
surface
Penetration Depth
surface only
Molecular Weight
Variable Da
Log P
n/a
Systemic Absorption
no
Topical Bioavailability
0%
Safety Margin Factor
none
Source: CIR Expert Panel
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
3
Volume
19, Sup 7
Evaluation Year
1987
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
100 - 1,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face Cream | 0.1–0.5 | 2 | CIR Safety Assessment |
| Serum | 0.2–0.8 | 2 | CIR Safety Assessment |
| Cleanser | 0.1–0.5 | 1 | CIR Safety Assessment |
| Sunscreen | 0.1–0.5 | 1 | CIR Safety Assessment |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "9007-20-9", "ingredient_class": "anti_pollution", "primary_mechanism": "film_forming_barrier", "pollution_types_targeted": "PM2_5", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PAH_neutralization": "no", "ozone_protection": "no", "mitochondrial_protection": "no", "Nrf2_activation": "no", "AhR_pathway_modulation": "no", "NF_kB_…
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "9003-01-4/9007-20-9", "ingredient_class": "thickener_baby_safe", "pediatric_safety_rating": "excellent", "minimum_age_months": "0", "neonatal_safe": "yes", "premature_infant_safe": "yes", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "Synthetic polymer, safe, non-irritating at proper pH", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "very_low", "dose_per_kg_body_weight_concern": "Non-absor…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "1", "skin_type_suitability": "all,oily,combination,normal,acne-prone", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "Synthetic thickener"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "0.1", "max_concentration_pct": "1.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "0.5", "product_type": "Moisturizer", "function_at_concentration": "Thickener", "source": "CIR Safety Assessment"}
dermal_absorption
{"molecular_weight_da": "Variable", "skin_penetration_level": "surface", "penetration_depth": "surface only", "absorption_pct": "0", "systemic_absorption": "no", "penetration_enhancer": "no", "occlusion_effect": "no", "vehicle_dependent": "no", "skin_barrier_effect": "neutral", "bioavailability_topical_pct": "0", "source": "CIR"}
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "no", "biodegradation_days": "non-biodegradable", "bioaccumulative": "no", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "low", "coral_reef_safe": "yes", "marine_toxicity": "low aquatic toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "physical harm from particles", "endocrine_disruptor": "no", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "yes", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted…
emulsifier
{"cas_number": "9003-01-4", "ingredient_class": "emulsion_stabilizer,polymeric_emulsifier", "chemical_type": "acrylic_copolymer", "emulsion_type_primary": "O/W", "droplet_size_typical_um": "0.5-2", "surface_tension_reduction_mN_m": "28-35", "interfacial_tension_reduction": "32-38", "lamellar_phase": "no", "hexagonal_phase": "no", "cubic_phase": "no", "gel_network_formation": "no", "viscoelastic_pr…
hair_care
{"hair_function": "styling", "hair_type_suitability": "all", "curl_pattern_suitability": "all", "porosity_suitability": "all", "protein_sensitivity": "neutral", "moisture_protein_balance": "yes", "cg_method_approved": "not-a-silicone", "silicone_type": "not-a-sulfate", "sulfate_type": "no", "drying_alcohol": "no", "fatty_alcohol": "no", "heat_protectant": "yes", "color_safe": "neutral", "keratin_b…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Adhesion/cohesion promoter
Binder
Biocide
Chelating agent
Corrosion inhibitor
Defoamer
Dispersing agent
Emulsifier
Film former
Flow promoter
Regulatory List Membership (2)
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Carbomer.
Regulatory Flags
eu-microplastic-restriction
reach-2023-2055
leave-on-ban-2029
rinse-off-ban-2027
colour-cosmetics-ban-2035
synthetic-polymer
non-biodegradable
electrolyte-sensitive
reformulation-required
echa-reporting
derogation-5
eu_children_restricted
epa_safer_alternative
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Carbomer by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
3
Lowest NOAEL
53 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
460 mg/kg bw/day
ECHA
Known Synonyms
Acrylic acid, polymers
Acrylic acid homopolymer
Acrylic acid polymer
Acrylic acid resin
Poly(acrylic acid)-butyl acrylate-2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer complex
2-Propenic acid homopolymer, Polyacrylic acid, Carboxypolymethylene
Poly(acrylic acid)
2-Propenoic Acid, Polymer
ACRYLIC ACID, OLIGOMERS
POLYACRYLATE
POLYACRYLIC ACID HOMOPOLYMER
Alcosperse 409
Alcoprint PTF-Z 328
Aquatreat AR 4
Aqualic HL 415
Carboxypolymethylene
Synocure 866EEP75
Three Bond 1131
Versicol E 15
Turfine P 20
Chemical Function
Dispersing agent
Binder
Thickening agent
Regulatory Lists
SCIL (9/2019)
CEDI
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Europe; Personal care - liniment
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Indirect additives food contact (10/2018)
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carbomer allowed in the EU?
Carbomer EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.01% concentration threshold; rinse-off (non-scrub) ban from 17 Oct 2027; leave-on ban from 17 Oct 2029; colour cosmetics ban deferred to 17 Oct 2035. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Carbomer do in cosmetics?
Carbomer functions as: Film-forming polymer; thickener; gelling agent; emulsion stabilizer. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9003-01-4.
What is the NOAEL for Carbomer?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Carbomer is =53 mg/kg bw/day based on a reproduction developmental study via oral route in Rat. A total of 3 study endpoints are available. Source: ECHA.
Is Carbomer used outside cosmetics?
Carbomer also appears in industrial chemical safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Carbomer have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Carbomer is classified GHS Danger (H315, H319, H335, H340, H350) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 0.01% concentration threshold; rinse-off (non-scrub) ban from 17 Oct 2027; leave-on ban from 17 Oct 2029; colour cosmetics ban deferred to 17 Oct 2035.
Compliance Tools
Check Carbomer compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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