Carbopol Ultrez-21 1 kg

Why Manufacturers Rely on This Polymer for Large-Batch Gel Production

Carbopol Ultrez-21 in a 1 kg package is an acrylic polymer thickener chosen by manufacturers of cosmetics, household chemicals, and pharmaceutical forms for its ability to build crystal-clear, stable gels even in formulations containing electrolytes and active additives. This product belongs to the category of Gelling Agents and Thickeners, which brings together rheology modifiers suited for both pilot lines and full industrial production. The 1 kg pack is designed for industrial-scale batches: this quantity is enough for dozens to hundreds of liters of finished product, making it a practical choice for workshops, labs, and filling lines where consistent raw material supply between batches matters most.

The primary applications for Ultrez-21 include clear gel production: shower gels, hand gels, cooling and moisturizing gels, after-depilation gels, gel deodorants, and structuring bases for toothpaste and hair styling gels. Household chemistry is another notable segment — this polymer forms the backbone of gel cleaners and toilet bowl gels with strong adhesion to vertical surfaces. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, carbopols of this type are used in topical gel formulations thanks to strong compatibility with active ingredients and stable viscosity across a broad pH range.

What sets Ultrez-21 apart is its ability to maintain clarity and viscosity stability even in formulas containing salts, alcohol, and surfactants — a critical feature for transparent shower gels and alcohol-based sanitizers, where standard carbopols often turn cloudy or lose thickness. The polymer is dispersed in cold or room-temperature water under constant stirring to avoid clumping, then neutralized with an alkaline agent until a clear gel of the desired consistency forms. Typical usage levels range from 0.2 to 0.8 percent of the total formula weight depending on the target thickness. It is best introduced at the early formulation stage, before active ingredients and fragrances, at temperatures not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

For manufacturers seeking alternative rheology profiles or combined thickening systems, a pairing with Carboxymethyl Cellulose adds extra stability to emulsions and suspensions. For softer, more tactile gel textures in color cosmetics and skincare, formulators often combine carbopol with Polygel CA to achieve distinctive sensory effects. Where additional stabilization of oil-based emulsion systems is needed, SFE839 is frequently used alongside carbopol.

Store the package in a dry area, tightly sealed, away from direct sunlight and moisture sources, since the polymer is hygroscopic and readily absorbs airborne moisture, which complicates dispersion. Under proper storage conditions, shelf life typically extends to several years.

Clear Cooling Gel for Body Care

Distilled water 870 ml

Carbopol Ultrez-21 4 g

Glycerin 25 g

Menthol crystals 2 g

Mild surfactant (coco glucoside) 55 g

Triethanolamine 5 g

Preservative 5 g

Fragrance 6 g

Disperse the carbopol into cold water under slow, continuous stirring until a smooth lump-free mixture forms, then allow it to hydrate for 30 to 40 minutes. Add glycerin and dissolve the menthol crystals separately in a small portion of warm water before blending them in. Introduce triethanolamine gradually until a clear gel structure develops, then slowly incorporate the surfactant while avoiding excessive foaming. Finally, blend in the preservative and fragrance, mix until uniform, and transfer the finished gel into containers.