Description
What is Carbomer/Carbopol 940
Carbomer/Carbopol 940 is a synthetic acrylic polymer used to thicken and make gels in cosmetics. Put simply, Carbomer is the name of the ingredient, while Carbopol is the brand name many formulators are familiar with from Lubrizol. When you want to make a product that is highly viscous, transparent, and forms a gel that won’t slide around, this is the grade you use.
This carbomer powder is a white powder. Initially, it remains acidic and does not thicken when added to water. Following hydration and neutralization, it swells and develops a strong network of gel. This makes Carbomer 940 a popular choice for clear gels, gel creams, lotions, creams, and hydroalcoholic preparations.
Why Carbomer/Carbopol 940 Is Used
- Powerful thickening at low concentration: Carbomer 940 can thicken a lot at low concentrations. This allows formulators to create stable textures without having to add a lot of thickener. Supplier recommendations typically have cosmetic use in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 percent, while according to Lubrizol, 0.2-1.0 percent is used depending on the system.
- Clear gel look: It’s well known for producing clear gels. A good choice when the end product needs to be clear and high-quality, such as in face gels, styling gels, and hydroalcoholic gels.
- Rich, non-drip texture: Carbomer 940 produces a short flow gel. Put simply, it is non-drip. This gives it an application where it is needed to not flow away too quickly.
- Better suspension and emulsion support: Carbomer isn’t just a thickener. It can also be used to help create suspension and stabilize emulsions. The cosmetic ingredient database states gel forming, thickening, and emulsion stabilizing.
- Tried and true cosmetic ingredient family: According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, carbomers were concluded to be safe as used in cosmetics, and the conclusion was affirmed. For cosmetic manufacturers, that means that carbomer is a known quantity.
How to Use
Handling note
Sprinkle this carbomer powder into water with low to moderate stirring. No clumping. Allow it to fully hydrate before you neutralize. Avoid prolonged high shear. Don’t add salts or alkalis in the beginning, as these are good for reducing viscosity. Use good ventilation and avoid inhaling dust when working with the powder.
These are good starting levels in the lab. They should be used as a guide only. They are based on supplier information that Carbomer 940 is typically used at a 0.1 to 0.5 percent level, but Lubrizol recommends 0.2 to 1.0% depending on the formulation and desired texture.
| Product Type | Practical Starting Level |
| Clear water gel | 0.3 to 0.8 percent |
| Hydroalcoholic gel | 0.3 to 0.8 percent |
| Gel cream | 0.2 to 0.5 percent |
| Lotion or light cream | 0.1 to 0.3 percent |
| Hair styling gel | 0.3 to 0.8 percent |
| Suspension style serum | 0.2 to 0.5 percent |
Target pH
A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is desirable for most Carbomer 940 gels and gel creams (unless there are special requirements for your active ingredient). The starting dispersion is rather acidic (pH 2.7 to 3.3), and a gel network is formed after the pH is raised past 6.0.
Formulation build order
- Add bulk water to the vessel.
- Slowly add carbomer powder to the water with mixing.
- Stir until dispersed and then allow to hydrate.
- Add humectants and other water-soluble materials that do not interfere with the polymer.
- Neutralize gradually with an appropriate base (triethanolamine, NaOH, KOH) until the gel forms and the pH is correct.
- Add scents, herbs, and other sensitive ingredients after the base is made.
- Add electrolytes such as salts (late), then adjust the pH and viscosity.
Products You Can Make With Carbomer/Carbopol 940
Carbomer 940 can be used to make clear skin gels, aloe-like gels, hydroalcoholic hand sanitizers, styling hair gels, gel creams, emulsions, lotions, creams, and other products that require clean viscosity and suspension. So, carbomer is a popular choice for thickeners for today’s cosmetic textures.
Why Order From Stexol
- COA With Every Batch: You get batch-level confidence before you start production. COA available.
- No Minimum Order Pressure: Small packs and bulk quantities available. By doing this, beauty business owners and small manufacturers can purchase what they require at the time.
- Bulk and Tiered Pricing: If you have larger quantities, please request the current Carbomer 940 price by quantity. Discounted quantities and tiers.
- Same-Day Dispatch: Quick dispatch ensures easy planning of batches and no material hold-ups.
FAQs
- Is carbomer the same as Carbopol 940? Carbomer is the name of the ingredient. Carbopol is the trade name in the market for the family of polymers.
- Do you need to neutralize Carbomer 940? Yes. This carbomer powder results in full gel build on hydration and neutralization. Neutralizing agents include triethanolamine (TEA), sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide.
- What is the pH of the final gel? For most products, a pH of 6.0-7.0 is a reasonable pH to aim for in a final gel product because the gel forms after the pH has increased past 6.0.
- Do salts make Carbomer 940 less viscous? Yes. Lubrizol advises that electrolytes can thin a gel, so use cautiously and withhold until late in the mixing process.
- How can I get the latest price of Carbomer 940? Send a message to Stexol regarding your desired pack size and quantity. Carbomer 940 price may vary according to the order quantity and bulk order.
Order Now
Looking for Carbomer 940 for your next gel, cream, or serum formula? Available in smaller packs and larger quantities. COA available. No minimum order pressure. Same-day dispatch. Volume and volume price breaking. Get the latest price for Carbomer 940 for the quantity you need.
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