Carbomer 940 is a synthetic polymer commonly used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care industries as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent. It belongs to a class of compounds known as acrylic acid polymers. Carbomer polymers are highly effective at creating gel-like formulations and enhancing the viscosity of aqueous solutions.
Carbomer 940 is particularly popular due to its ability to form clear gels and thicken a wide range of formulations without imparting color or odor. It is often used in various products, including:
Personal Care Products: Carbomer 940 can be found in products like shampoos, conditioners, hair gels, lotions, creams, and moisturizers. It helps improve the texture and consistency of these products while also aiding in the dispersion of other ingredients.
Pharmaceuticals: It is used in the formulation of topical medications, gels, ointments, and creams. Carbomer 940 helps enhance drug delivery by providing controlled release of the active ingredient.
Cosmetics: Many cosmetic products, such as makeup, sunscreens, and facial masks, use Carbomer 940 to achieve the desired texture, stability, and spreadability.
Hand Sanitizers: Carbomer 940 can also be used in hand sanitizers to increase their viscosity and improve the user experience.
Hygiene Products: Some hygiene products, such as intimate gels and lubricants, utilize Carbomer 940 to create smooth and gel-like formulations.
Carbomer 940 is typically supplied as a white powder that can absorb large amounts of water, leading to the formation of a gel when hydrated. To use it in formulations, the powder is dispersed in water with agitation until it forms a homogeneous gel. The pH of the solution can influence the viscosity and performance of the gel, so adjustments are often made to achieve the desired characteristics.
It’s important to note that Carbomer 940 should be handled with care, as it can cause skin and eye irritation in its dry form. Proper safety precautions and guidelines should be followed when working with this ingredient.
How to use Carbomer 940?
Carbomer 940 is a common ingredient used in the formulation of various cosmetic and personal care products, such as creams, lotions, gels, and more. It is a polymer that helps to thicken, stabilize, and emulsify products. Here’s how to use Carbomer 940:
1.Safety Precautions: Before using any cosmetic ingredient, it’s important to follow safety guidelines. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety goggles when handling Carbomer 940.
2.Equipment and Materials:
- Carbomer 940 powder
- Distilled water or another suitable solvent
- Mixing container (glass or plastic)
- Stirring rod or mixer (e.g., handheld mixer, immersion blender)
- pH testing strips or pH meter
- Preservatives and other additives (if needed)
- Fragrances, colorants, or other desired ingredients (if applicable)
3.Preparation:
- Ensure your workspace is clean and sanitized.
- Weigh or measure the required amount of Carbomer 940 according to your formulation. Check the recommended usage rate for your specific product.
4.Hydration:
- Carbomer 940 needs to be hydrated in water or a solvent to form a gel-like consistency. The exact amount of water/solvent will vary based on the concentration and desired viscosity of your product.
- Gradually sprinkle Carbomer 940 into the water/solvent while stirring continuously to prevent clumps from forming. It’s important to add Carbomer 940 to the liquid, not the other way around.
- Continue stirring until the Carbomer 940 is fully dispersed. This process can take some time, and it may be necessary to adjust the speed of stirring or use a suitable mixing device to achieve complete hydration.
5.Thickening and Gelling:
- Allow the mixture to sit for several hours or overnight. During this time, the Carbomer 940 will continue to swell and thicken the liquid, forming a gel-like consistency.
6.PH Adjustment:
- Check the pH of the Carbomer gel using pH testing strips or a pH meter. The optimal pH range for Carbomer 940 gels is typically around 6.0 to 7.0.
- If necessary, adjust the pH using a pH adjuster (e.g., sodium hydroxide or citric acid) to bring it within the desired range. Make gradual adjustments and retest the pH to avoid overcorrection.
7.Additives and Fragrances:
- If your formulation includes preservatives, fragrances, colorants, or other additives, add them to the gel and mix thoroughly.
8.Packaging:
- Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency and pH, your Carbomer 940 gel is ready for packaging.
- Use suitable containers that are clean and sanitized to store your finished product.
Remember, formulations can vary widely based on the specific product you’re creating, so it’s important to follow a reliable recipe and conduct stability and compatibility testing to ensure the final product meets your quality and performance standards. If you’re new to formulating cosmetic products, it’s recommended to seek guidance from experts or professionals in the field.