Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. Contains the following stabilizer(s): Mequinol (>/=0.018 - =0.02%);Carbomers are stable, hygroscopic materials that may be heated at temperatures below 104 ? for up to 2 hr without affecting their thickening efficiency. However, exposure to excessive temperatures can result in discoloration and reduced stability ... Dry powder forms of carbomer do not support the growth of molds and fungi. In contrast, microorganisms grow well in unpreserved aqueous dispersions, and therefore an antimicrobial preservative such as 0.1% w/v chlorocresol, 0.18% w/v methyparaben-0.02% w/v propylparaben, or 0.1% w/v thimerosal should be added. The addition of certain antimicrobials, such as benzalkonium chloride or sodium benzoate, in high concentrations (0.1% w/v) can cause cloudiness and a reduction in viscosity of carbomer dispersions. Aqueous gels may be sterilized by autoclaving with minimal changes in viscosity or pH, provided care is taken to exclude oxygen from the system, or by gamma irradiation, although this technique may increase the viscosity of the formulation. At room temperature carbomer dispersions maintain their viscosity during storage for prolonged periods. Similarly, dispersion viscosity is maintained, or only slightly reduced, at elevated storage temperatures if an antioxidant is included in the formulation or if the dispersion is stored protected from light. Exposure to light causes oxidation that is reflected in a decrease in dispersion viscosity. Stability to light may be improved by the addition of 0.05-0.1% w/v of a water-soluble UV absorber such as benzophenone-2 or benzophenone-4 in combination with 0.05-0.1% w/v edetic acid.; Carbomers are discolored by resorcinol and are incompatible with phenol, cationic polymers, strong acids, and high levels of electrolytes. Certain antimicrobial adjuvants should also be avoided or used at low levels. Trace levels of iron and other transition metals can catalytically degrade carbomer dispersions. Certain amino-functional actives form complexes with carbomer ... Carbomers also form pH-dependent complexes with certain polymeric excipients. Alfa Chemistry Materials product group: Polymer Science Manufacturer data sheet |