• High molecular weight polymer with excellent thickening power
• Creates smooth, non-sticky, and clear formulations
• Used in gels, lotions, creams, and suspensions
• Neutralizes with triethanolamine (TEA) for gelling
• Highly efficient—only small amounts needed

Carbomer 940 Powder – High Viscosity Thickener for Gels & Creams

Carbomer 940 is a synthetic, high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid, crosslinked with polyalkenyl ethers or divinyl glycol. It’s widely used in cosmetics as a thickener and suspending agent. When neutralized with a base like TEA (Triethanolamine), it forms crystal-clear, stable gels ideal for skincare and personal care products. Its superior rheology makes it perfect for formulating lotions, creams, hair gels, and hand sanitizers. A little goes a long way—just 0.1–0.5% can produce thick gels.

INCI Name: Carbomer

CAS Number: 9003-01-4

Solubility: Dispersible in water (requires neutralization)

Add Phase: Aqueous phase (pre-neutralization)

pH Stability: Effective in 5.0–10.0 range

Processing Temperature: Below 60°C

Appearance: White fluffy powder

Odor: Odorless

Molecular Formula: (C3H4O2)n

Molecular Weight: High (polymer)

Flash Point: Not applicable

Density: ~0.2–0.3 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Synthetic polymer

Functional Groups: Carboxylic acid

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Gels, lotions, creams, suspensions

• Usage Rate: 0.1% – 0.5% (typically)
• Neutralizers: Triethanolamine (TEA), Sodium Hydroxide
• Storage: Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place

Always hydrate Carbomer in water before neutralizing to avoid clumping. Sprinkle slowly while stirring and let it rest to fully hydrate. Use TEA or NaOH for neutralization. Great for hand sanitizers, soothing gels, and serum bases!

✔️ Oily

✔️ Normal

✔️ Combination

✔️ Sensitive

✔️ Dry

1. Clear Aloe Gel

0.3% Carbomer 940

90% Distilled Water

3% Aloe Vera Extract

0.5% Preservative

6% Glycerin

Neutralize to pH 6.5 with TEA

2. Anti-Acne Gel Serum

0.2% Carbomer 940

2% Salicylic Acid

0.5% Niacinamide

2% Panthenol

Balance water phase

Neutralize with TEA

Serums
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩


Toners
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜


Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Reasonable
🟨🟨🟨⬜⬜


Deodorants
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Limited
🟧⬜⬜⬜⬜


Eye Creams
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜


Shampoos
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜


Soaps
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Limited
🟧⬜⬜⬜⬜


Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Reasonable
🟨🟨🟨⬜⬜


Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜


Body Butters
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜


Ointments
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Reasonable
🟨🟨🟨⬜⬜

Q1: Can I mix Carbomer directly with oils?

No, it must be dispersed in water first and then neutralized to thicken.

Q2: Is Carbomer 940 safe for daily use?

Yes, it's widely used in skincare and considered safe when properly formulated.

Q3: What makes it different from Carbomer 980?

Carbomer 940 produces higher viscosity and better clarity, ideal for clear gels.