Carbomer 934 is a synthetic, crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations primarily as a thickener, rheology modifier and suspending agent. It is a high-viscosity Carbomer grade that can provide structure, consistency and stability to creams, lotions, gels and other aqueous or emulsion-based formulations.
Carbomer 934 is a white, fluffy powder. When properly dispersed in water and neutralized, the crosslinked polymer network swells and develops significant viscosity. This makes it useful for controlling the flow properties and texture of finished cosmetic formulations.
Carbomer 934 is particularly associated with short-flow rheology and high-viscosity performance. Commercial Carbopol® 934 polymer is described as an industry-standard rheology modifier with applications in skin care and hair care. It is recommended for formulations such as lotions and creams and has a recommended use level of approximately 0.1–0.6% w/w as supplied for that specific commercial grade.
The polymer can also support suspension and emulsion stability. By increasing the viscosity of the continuous phase, Carbomer 934 can help reduce movement of dispersed ingredients and contribute to a more uniform finished product.
Carbomer 934 provides efficient viscosity modification at relatively low concentrations. After hydration and appropriate neutralization, it produces a structured polymer network that increases the viscosity of the aqueous phase.
Carbomer 934 is known for its short-flow rheological behavior. This characteristic makes it suitable for creams, lotions and other products where a rich, structured consistency is required.
The increased viscosity generated by Carbomer 934 can help keep suitable dispersed materials uniformly distributed within a formulation. This makes it useful in selected suspension and emulsion systems.
Carbomer 934 can be used in creams, lotions, moisturizers and other skin-care formulations where viscosity, texture and stability are important formulation requirements.
Carbomer 934 can be incorporated into suitable hair-care and styling formulations where controlled viscosity and product structure are required.
Carbomer 934 is particularly suitable for cream and lotion formulations. Commercial Carbopol® 934 is described as providing a creamy sensory profile and excellent stability at high viscosity.
Carbomer 934 should be dispersed carefully to obtain uniform hydration. Its viscosity is strongly affected by neutralization, pH, electrolytes, surfactants and other formulation ingredients.
For Carbopol® 934 polymer, Lubrizol specifies viscosity testing after neutralization to pH 7.3–7.8. The commercial grade is tested at both 0.2% and 0.5% polymer concentration under defined conditions.
Because Carbomer 934 is a crosslinked polymer, its performance should be evaluated according to the exact commercial grade rather than assuming that every Carbomer 934 material has identical technical specifications.
Carbomer 934 can be used in:
Carbomer 934 is a synthetic crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used primarily as a thickener, rheology modifier and suspending agent in cosmetic formulations.
The commonly listed CAS number for Carbomer 934 is 9003-01-4. PubChem identifies Carbomer 934 [USAN] with external identifier 9003-01-4.
Carbomer 934 is used for viscosity control, rheology modification, thickening and suspension in creams, lotions, gels and other cosmetic formulations.
Yes. Carbomer 934 is a high-efficiency thickening polymer and can produce high viscosity after suitable hydration and neutralization.
Yes. Carbomer polymers can form structured gels after appropriate dispersion and neutralization.
Yes. Carbopol® 934 is specifically described as suitable for lotions and creams and provides short-flow rheology and high-viscosity performance.
Yes. It can provide viscosity, structure and stability in suitable lotion formulations.
For Lubrizol's Carbopol® 934 polymer, the recommended use level is 0.1–0.6% w/w as supplied. The appropriate concentration depends on the formulation and the exact commercial grade.
For Carbopol® 934 NF, Lubrizol specifies 30,500–39,400 cP at 25°C for a 0.5% mucilage neutralized to pH 7.3–7.8. A separate 0.2% test has a specification of 2,050–5,450 cP under the specified test conditions.
The Carbopol® 934 NF specification gives a carboxylic acid content of 56.0–68.0%.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |