Carbomer 940 for Developing Crystal-Clear Gels, Serums and Advanced Cosmetic Products
Carbomer 940 is a highly purified synthetic polymer widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and chemical industries as a gelling agent, thickener and viscosity modifier. Due to its ability to create crystal-clear gels with excellent stability, this ingredient has become one of the most popular choices for modern skincare and personal care formulations. Within the Gelling Agents and Thickeners category, Carbomer 940 is highly valued by manufacturers of professional cosmetics, personal care products and cosmetic raw materials.
According to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), the ingredient is listed as Carbomer. It is a high molecular weight cross-linked acrylic acid polymer that forms a transparent three-dimensional gel structure after neutralization. The polymer demonstrates excellent efficiency even at low usage levels and allows formulators to create products with outstanding rheological properties.
Carbomer 940 is widely used in the production of moisturizing gels, gel serums, creams, emulsions, facial cleansing products, aftershave gels, eye care products, hand sanitizing gels, hair styling products, cooling cosmetic formulations, sunscreen products, liquid soaps, professional SPA cosmetics, cosmetic bases, decorative cosmetics and various transparent cosmetic systems.
The ingredient is compatible with Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, D-Panthenol, Allantoin, Niacinamide, botanical extracts, vitamins, hydrosols, silicones, surfactants, preservatives, fragrances, peptides and a wide range of modern cosmetic active ingredients. To achieve optimal gel formation, Carbomer 940 requires neutralization to the appropriate pH level.
Carbomer 940 effectively increases the viscosity of water-based formulations, stabilizes suspensions and emulsions, prevents ingredient separation, improves product spreadability on skin and hair, and provides smooth texture, excellent transparency and pleasant sensory properties. Due to its high efficiency, the polymer allows manufacturers to create stable gels using relatively low concentrations.
Before use, Carbomer 940 should be gradually dispersed into purified water under continuous mixing and allowed to fully hydrate. After hydration, neutralization is performed using Sodium Hydroxide, Triethanolamine, Arginine or another suitable pH regulator. The final neutralization process creates a transparent gel with the required viscosity.
The recommended usage level is generally 0.1-1.0%, depending on the desired viscosity, formulation type and concentration of other ingredients. During the development of transparent gel systems, the optimal polymer concentration and pH level should be carefully selected.
Store Carbomer 940 in tightly sealed original packaging in a dry environment at room temperature, protected from moisture, direct sunlight and excessive heat. Proper storage conditions help maintain the polymer's quality and performance.
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Gel
Purified Water to 100 g
Carbomer 940 0.3 g
Glycerin 4 g
Hyaluronic Acid 0.2 g
D-Panthenol 2 g
Preservative according to the manufacturer's recommendation
Sodium Hydroxide solution to pH 5.5-6.0
Disperse Carbomer 940 in water and allow complete hydration. Add the remaining ingredients and gradually neutralize until a clear homogeneous gel is obtained.
Hair Styling Gel
Purified Water to 100 g
Carbomer 940 0.7 g
Glycerin 3 g
D-Panthenol 1 g
Preservative according to the manufacturer's recommendation
Neutralizer to pH 6.0-6.5
After complete hydration of Carbomer 940, add the remaining ingredients, mix thoroughly and neutralize gradually until a transparent gel with the required viscosity and stability is formed.