Carbomer 940 is a white, water-dispersible powder that thickens and stabilises water-based cosmetics. In plain terms, it turns a thin, runny liquid into a smooth cream or a crystal-clear gel once you neutralise it with an alkali. A very small amount goes a long way, which makes it a staple for hair gels, face gels, lotions and even some oral care formulas.
What Carbomer 940 actually does
Carbomer 940 is a cross-linked polymer of acrylic acid (INCI name: Carbomer 940, CAS 9003-01-4). On its own it is acidic and only slightly thickens water. The magic happens when you add a base to raise the pH — the polymer swells and locks the liquid into a stable, uniform gel. That is why it is prized for high-clarity styling gels and lightweight serums.
Common jobs it handles:
- Thickening — builds body in gels, lotions and creams.
- Gelling — creates clear, non-sticky hair and face gels.
- Stabilising — keeps emulsions from separating and holds active ingredients evenly suspended.
- Improving flow — gives products that smooth, professional glide.
How to use Carbomer 940
The usual working range is roughly 0.2% to 1% of the total formula, depending on how thick you want the finished product. Here is the standard method:
- Disperse: Sprinkle the powder slowly over water while stirring gently. Avoid dumping it all at once, or you will get clumps that take ages to hydrate.
- Hydrate: Let it sit and swell for 15–30 minutes. The mix will look cloudy and thin at this stage — that is normal.
- Neutralise: Add a small amount of a base such as triethanolamine (TEA) or sodium hydroxide solution, a few drops at a time. As the pH rises towards 5.5–7, the liquid thickens into a clear gel almost instantly.
- Finish: Stir in your remaining ingredients — glycerine, aloe, preservative, fragrance — and check the final pH suits skin (around 5–6 for most products).
Tip: stir slowly. Fast, whipping motion traps air bubbles that are very hard to remove from a set gel.
Tips and safety notes
Carbomer 940 is an industrial-grade raw material meant for formulation, not for direct application or ingestion. Handle it with the same care you would give any fine powder.
- Wear a mask while weighing and dispersing — the powder is very light and can float into the air.
- Work in a ventilated space and avoid inhaling the dust.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Do not ingest. Use it only within properly balanced, pH-corrected formulas.
- The raw powder is acidic (pH around 2.7); always neutralise before the product touches skin.
- Electrolytes and high salt levels can thin the gel, so add salty ingredients carefully.
- Always patch-test a finished product before regular use, and add a suitable preservative since these are water-based formulas.
Buying and storage
Azlok stocks Carbomer 940 powder in packs from 100 GM up to 20 KG, so hobbyists and small businesses can both find a size that fits. A 100 GM pouch starting at ₹199 is enough for many small batches, given how little you use per formula.
Store it in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Because the powder readily absorbs water from the air, an airtight jar keeps it free-flowing and clump-free. Kept properly, it has a shelf life of about 24 months. Ask for the COA and MSDS when you order if you need documentation for your own products.
FAQ
How much Carbomer 940 should I use?
Most formulas use between 0.2% and 1% by weight. Start low — around 0.3% — and increase gradually until you reach the thickness you want, since a little makes a big difference.
Why is my Carbomer mixture still runny?
It has not been neutralised yet. Carbomer only thickens once you raise the pH with a base like triethanolamine or a sodium hydroxide solution. Add the base slowly until the gel forms.
Can I use Carbomer 940 in hair gel?
Yes. It is one of the most common thickeners for clear hair styling gels because it gives a smooth, non-sticky texture and good hold when combined with a film-forming polymer.
Is Carbomer 940 safe for skin?
In correctly formulated, pH-balanced cosmetics it is widely used across skin types. The raw powder itself is acidic and should never be applied undiluted or swallowed — always neutralise it and patch-test the finished product.
How do I avoid lumps when mixing?
Sprinkle the powder slowly over the water surface while stirring gently, then let it hydrate for 15–30 minutes before neutralising. Adding it all at once creates stubborn clumps.