Carbomer 940: Uses, Use Levels and Safety
Carbomer 940 is a white, fluffy polymer powder used to make clear gels and to thicken creams, lotions and hair gels. It thickens only after it's neutralised with an alkali such as triethanolamine or sodium hydroxide. Azlok sells Carbomer 940 powder as a cosmetic raw ingredient for formulators and makers.
Last updated 7 Nov 2026
Specifications
- Formula
- (C3H4O2)n
- CAS number
- 9007-20-9
- Grades
- Cosmetic
Products and pack sizes
| Product | Grade | Pack | Price (incl. GST) | ₹ per kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbomer 940 Powder | Cosmetic | — | ₹199 | — |
What is Carbomer 940?
Carbomer 940 is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid, a synthetic polymer that swells in water. On its own in water it gives a cloudy, slightly acidic, thin dispersion. Once you raise the pH towards neutral, the polymer chains uncoil and the mix turns into a thick, clear gel.
- Chemical type: cross-linked polymer of acrylic acid
- CAS number: commonly listed as 9007-20-9 (carbomer)
- Appearance: very light, white, fluffy powder with a slight acidic smell
- Behaviour: highest thickness at roughly pH 6–7; thins out with salts and strongly acidic ingredients
"940" is a grade name. It's known for giving high viscosity and good clarity, which is why it's a favourite for clear gels.
Grades and pack sizes at Azlok
Azlok lists Carbomer 940 Powder in its cosmetic raw ingredients range. It's for people making gels, creams, lotions and hair products. The product name doesn't give a pack size, so check the listing before ordering.
For the current rate, see today's price per kg.
Common uses
- Clear gels: aloe-style gels, hair styling gels, face and body gels.
- Creams and lotions: a thickener and stabiliser that keeps oil and water phases from separating.
- Hair care: styling gels and some leave-in products.
- Other industries: a thickener in some household cleaners, inks and personal lubricant gels made under the relevant rules.
How to use it
Carbomer is usually used at about 0.2–1% of the formula. These are typical ranges, so test your own recipe.
| Target | Typical carbomer level |
|---|---|
| Thin lotion or serum gel | About 0.2–0.3% |
| Medium gel or cream | About 0.4–0.6% |
| Thick hair gel | About 0.7–1% |
- Disperse slowly: sprinkle the powder onto the surface of distilled water while stirring. Dumping it in forms "fish eyes", lumps that stay wet outside and dry inside.
- Let it hydrate: leave it to soak for 30 minutes to a few hours, stirring now and then, until there are no lumps.
- Neutralise: add triethanolamine (TEA) or a dilute sodium hydroxide solution drop by drop while stirring gently, checking pH, until it thickens at around pH 6–7. Stir slowly to avoid trapping air bubbles.
- Add other ingredients: add actives, extracts and preservative after neutralising. Salts and acidic ingredients reduce thickness, so add them a little at a time.
- Preserve: any water-based gel needs a suitable preservative system.
Safety and storage
- The powder is very light and floats in the air. Pour it gently and wear a dust mask and safety glasses.
- It's slippery when wet. Wipe spills straight away rather than letting gel spread on the floor.
- Handle sodium hydroxide neutraliser with gloves and eye protection.
- Store the powder in a tightly closed container in a dry place. It absorbs moisture from the air and clumps.
- Keep it away from children.
- Patch test finished products on a small area of skin before regular use.
Choosing the right grade and pack
- Beginners: a small pack goes a long way. At 0.5%, 10 g of carbomer thickens about 2 kg of gel.
- Regular makers: buy a larger pack once your recipe is stable, and keep it tightly sealed.
- Manufacturers: for 25 kg or more, send a bulk inquiry.
If you sell finished cosmetics in India, keep supplier documents ready, as products must meet BIS and CDSCO rules.
Frequently asked questions
- How much Carbomer 940 should I use in a gel?
- Carbomer is typically used at about 0.2–1% of the formula. Around 0.5% gives a medium gel, and closer to 1% gives a thick hair gel. These are typical ranges, so make a small test batch first and adjust.
- Why is my carbomer gel not thickening?
- Carbomer only thickens after neutralising. Check that you've added triethanolamine or dilute sodium hydroxide and brought the pH to around 6–7. Salts, very acidic ingredients and too little hydration time can also leave the gel thin.
- How do I get rid of lumps in carbomer gel?
- Sprinkle the powder slowly onto the water surface while stirring, then let it soak until fully hydrated before neutralising. If lumps have formed, leave the mix covered for a few hours and stir again. Lumps don't disappear after neutralising.
- What can I use to neutralise Carbomer 940?
- Triethanolamine (TEA) and dilute sodium hydroxide are the most common. Add either drop by drop while stirring gently and check the pH. Stop at around pH 6–7, where carbomer reaches its highest thickness.
- Is Carbomer 940 safe for skin products?
- Carbomer is widely used in creams and gels at low levels. Neutralise it fully, include a suitable preservative in water-based products, and patch test your finished product. Wear a dust mask when handling the dry powder.
- What does the number 940 mean in carbomer?
- It's a grade name. Carbomer 940 is known for high viscosity and good clarity, which suits clear gels. Other carbomer grades differ in thickness, flow and tolerance to salts, so a recipe written for one grade may need a different amount of another.