




Carbomer 940 Powder
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Quick specs
Use 0.1–1%
Clear gel texture
Requires neutralisation
INGREDIENT OVERVIEW
Carbomer 940 Powder
Carbomer 940 is a high-performance polymer used in cosmetic formulations to create clear gels and control viscosity. It is widely used in serums, gels, and emulsions where precise rheology and clarity are required.
Our carbomer 940 is supplied as a cosmetic-grade powder with high viscosity performance. It is selected for its purity, low residual solvent content, and consistent formulation performance.
In formulation, carbomer provides precise viscosity control and enables the creation of clear, stable gel systems when properly neutralised.
QUALITY & SOURCING
- High viscosity performance (28,000 mPa·s at 0.2%)
- High carboxylic acid content (62.8%) for strong gel formation
- Extremely low residual solvents (0.02%)
- Very low residual acrylic acid (0.01%)
- Clean microbial and heavy metal profile
- USP compliant
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
- Ingredient: Carbomer 940
- INCI: Carbomer
- CAS: 9003-01-4
- Solubility: Water dispersible
- Typical use level:
- Leave-on: 0.1–0.5%
- Rinse-off: 0.2–0.5%
- High efficiency thickener
- Starter: 0.2–0.3% for most cosmetic formulations
FORMULATION NOTES
Processing notes
Disperse in water phase, then neutralise (e.g. NaOH or TEA) to activate thickening.
Compatibility notes
- Compatible with most cosmetic ingredients
- Sensitive to electrolytes at high levels
- Works well in controlled systems
pH notes
Requires neutralisation (typically pH ~5.5–7) to develop viscosity.
Formulation examples
Clear gel serum
- Carbomer: 0.2–0.3%
- Neutraliser: as required
- Humectants and actives
Gel cream
- Carbomer: 0.1–0.2%
- Emulsion system
- Water phase
Troubleshooting
- No viscosity → check neutralisation
- Lumps → improve dispersion
- Too thin → increase level slightly
- Instability with salts → adjust system
COMPARISON & ALTERNATIVES
- Xanthan gum → more natural, less precise
- Sclerotium gum → improved sensory
- Hybrid systems → xanthan + carbomer
SENSORY PROFILE
Carbomer creates smooth, clean, non-stringy gels with a more refined sensory profile compared to natural gums. Sensory outcome is formulation-dependent; bench testing is recommended.
STORAGE & HANDLING
- Store in a cool, dry place, protected from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Keep container tightly sealed when not in use.
- Shelf life: 2 years when properly stored
PRODUCT SAFETY
- Low irritation potential when used within recommended levels.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid inhalation of dust. Use appropriate PPE during handling and formulation.
- Refer to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contained within documents tab.
DOCUMENTATION
- Cosmetic grade
- Viscosity (0.2%): 28,000 mPa·s
- Carboxylic acid groups: 62.8%
- Residual solvents: 0.02%
- Residual acrylic acid: 0.01%
- Heavy metals: compliant
- Microbial limits: compliant
- COA and SDS available
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