Product Description
Carbomer 940 is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer supplied as a white, loose powder. Its primary functions are thickening aqueous systems, forming gels, and suspending particulate matter. At low use levels - typically 0.2% to 0.5% of the total formulation - it provides medium to high viscosity and creates a clear gel with short flow characteristics, meaning no stringiness or drag when applied. At 0.4% to 0.6%, it effectively suspends insoluble particles such as pearlescent pigments, scrub beads, or physical sunscreens. In lotion or cream systems, an addition level of 0.1% to 0.3% mainly serves to aid stability and delay oil-water separation.
Key points for use: Carbomer 940 must first be dispersed in water and fully hydrated, then neutralized with an alkaline neutralizing agent (such as triethanolamine, arginine, or sodium hydroxide) to a pH between 5.5 and 7.0 before gel formation occurs - without neutralization, there is little to no thickening effect. It is also sensitive to electrolytes; high salt or high ionic strength formulations will see a significant drop in viscosity, in which case an electrolyte-resistant grade should be considered. Regarding processing temperatures, it withstands typical manufacturing conditions but should not be held above 60°C for extended periods.
As for physicochemical specifications, its bulk density is approximately 0.2 g/cm³, and it is insoluble in organic solvents. A 1% aqueous gel, neutralized and measured at 25°C using a Brookfield RVT viscometer at 20 rpm, shows a viscosity of 40,000–60,000 mPa·s. Packaging options include 1 kg foil bags for samples and 20 kg cardboard drums with inner PE liners for standard supply. COA, MSDS, TDS, and third-party test reports are available upon request.
Ectoin Characteristics
Appearance: White, fluffy, acidic powder.
Solubility: Disperses in water but needs neutralization to form a clear gel; insoluble in oils, ethanol. Add to water phase, let it hydrate, then adjust pH to 6‑7 with triethanolamine or NaOH.
Odor & Taste: Slight characteristic acrylic odor. No taste.
Chemical Properties: Stable at room temp; absorbs moisture but not extreme. Dry powder pH ~2.5‑3.5. Heat‑ok during hydration (70‑80°C water helps dispersion). Avoid strong oxidizing agents.
Test Method: Viscosity (Brookfield), pH, residual solvents (GC), heavy metals, loss on drying, carboxyl group content.
High Purity & Concentration: Crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer. Consistent powder batches. Used at 0.1‑0.5% in formulations. Mainly used as a thickener, stabilizer, and suspending agent – creates clear water‑based gels, provides shear‑thinning flow, works across a wide pH range after neutralization.
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
| Test Item | Specification | Typical Result (for reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥ 99.0% | 99.6% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 2.0% | 0.42% |
| Residue on Ignition (Sulfated Ash) | ≤ 0.5% | 0.15% |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg | < 5 mg/kg |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2.0 mg/kg | < 0.5 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1.0 mg/kg | < 0.5 mg/kg |
| Particle Size (pass 80 mesh) | > 95% | 98.2% |
Processing Technology
Product Benefits
Powerful thickening & gelling
Forms highly transparent gel at low dosage with thixotropic texture, smooth application and no stringing.
Excellent system stability
Great suspending performance to prevent formula delamination and precipitation.
Wide compatibility
Water-soluble, suitable for both hot and cold processing, stable across a broad pH range.
Mild & safe
Low irritation, ideal for sensitive skin, daily chemical and pharmaceutical topical formulations.
Applications
Sensitive skin repair – Serums, creams, masks. Helps reduce redness, stinging, and dryness. Good for post-procedure or seasonal sensitivity.
Post-sun care – Sprays, gels, lotions. Cools the skin while reducing UV‑induced inflammation and cell damage.
Anti‑aging & daily protection – Urban pollution, AC rooms, wind, sun. Helps maintain barrier stability and prevent invisible damage.
Baby & gentle formulas – Non‑irritating, no exfoliation. Works for kids or adults with extremely reactive skin.
Other Customizable Products (OEM / ODM)
We provide one-stop ODM/OEM full-service contract manufacturing for Carbomer 940 formulations, turning your product concept into a ready-to-sell finished product.
① Cooperation Models
OEM:Strictly confidential replication of client-exclusive formulations for stable mass production.
ODM: Full-service handling, covering formulation research, product development, and large-scale production.
② Key Process
Analysis & Design: Customized solutions based on your needs
Prototyping: Precisely control thickening and neutralization processes to produce samples.
Production: Manufacture on certified standardized production lines with comprehensive full-process quality inspections.
Why Choose Our Ectoin?
Over a Decade of Expertise: 15+ years in specialty ingredient manufacturing
Natural Purity & Quality: Sourced from high-grade silicon precursors
Transparent & Traceable: Full documentation from raw material to final product
Advanced Technology: Proprietary stabilization methods for high bioavailability
Stable Supply Assurance: Robust supply chain and inventory management
Long-term Partnership: Committed to collaborative growth and customer success
FAQ
Q: What does it actually do?
A:It primarily does four things: rapidly thickens, stabilizes formulas, is compatible with various processes, and is gentle and non-irritating. It's not a potent ingredient, but it makes products more stable, smoother, and prevents stringiness and separation.
Q: Can it be used in skin care products?
A: Yes. It is safe and mild. It is commonly added to facial gel, body gel, cream, lotion and facial mask, with no irritation to skin.
Q: Is Carbomer 940 soluble directly in water?
A:It cannot dissolve immediately. It needs to swell fully in water first, then adjust pH value to achieve the best thickening effect.
Q: Can it completely replace other moisturizing or repair ingredients?
A:Not really. Ectoin has its own strengths – it's more about stress resistance, anti‑inflammation, and cellular protection. Hyaluronic acid is a pure humectant; ceramides add lipids. Ectoin is like putting a protective coat on the skin. Better to use them together.
Q: What's considered an "effective" concentration?
A:Normally, 0.2% to 1.0% is the effective concentration for Carbomer 940. The optimal and most widely used dosage is 0.4% - 0.8% for most gel formulations.
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