Carbomer (Carbopol or Carboxypolymethylene) is a chemical compound, a high molecular weight polymer derived from acrylic acid and is used as a

• stabiliser, thickener and emulsifier in cosmetic products
• mineralising agent for dental material (1)
• treatment of dry eye pathology (2)

Under the name Carbomer, a large number of polymers are labelled, some of which have the property of absorbing large amounts of water by increasing their volume so that they can form gels and resist deterioration.

Different Carbomers are commercially available and the number next to the name indicates the molecular weight and specific components of the polymer.

• Carbomer 340
• Carbomer 934
• Carbomer 940
• Carbomer 941
• Carbomer 1342

It appears in the form of a white powder.

For more information:

Carbomer studies

References_________________________________________________________________

(1) Microleakage of newly developed glass carbomer cement in primary teeth.
Cehreli SB, Tirali RE, Yalcinkaya Z, Cehreli ZC.
Eur J Dent. 2013 Jan;7(1):15-21.

Effect of gloss and heat on the mechanical behaviour of a glass carbomer cement.
Menne-Happ U, Ilie N.
J Dent. 2013 Mar;41(3):223-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2012.11.005. Epub 2012 Nov 19.

(2) Efficacy of different dry eye treatments with artificial tears or ocular lubricants: a systematic review.
Doughty MJ, Glavin S.
Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2009 Nov;29(6):573-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-1313.2009.00683.x. Epub 2009 Aug 14. Review.