Carbomer 940 is a high-molecular-weight crosslinked acrylic polymer widely used as a thickener, viscosity controller, rheology modifier, suspending agent and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetic and personal-care formulations. USP defines Carbomer 940 as a high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of pentaerythritol.
Carbomer 940 is particularly valued for its ability to develop high viscosity at relatively low use levels after appropriate neutralization. USP specifies that a neutralized 0.5% aqueous dispersion has a viscosity of 40,000–60,000 mPa·s under the applicable test conditions.
The ingredient can be used in suitable gels, creams, lotions, serums, hair gels, shampoos and other personal-care formulations where controlled viscosity, texture, suspension and formulation stability are required.
Carbomer 940 is a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer designed to provide high viscosity and rheological control in aqueous systems.
Its crosslinked polymer structure allows it to swell and produce a structured, viscous system when properly dispersed and neutralized. This makes Carbomer 940 useful for creating cosmetic products with controlled consistency and desirable application characteristics.
One of the primary functions of Carbomer 940 is thickening.
It can substantially increase viscosity in suitable aqueous and hydroalcoholic formulations and can help formulators achieve the required product body and consistency.
Potential applications include:
Carbomer 940 is also used as a rheology modifier.
Rheology control affects how a formulation flows, spreads and behaves during application. Carbomer 940 can help establish a structured formulation with controlled flow and consistency.
It can contribute to:
Carbomer 940 can help support the suspension of dispersed materials in suitable formulations by increasing the viscosity and structure of the continuous phase.
This functionality can be useful in formulations containing ingredients that need to remain uniformly distributed during storage.
Carbomer 940 can support emulsion stability by modifying the rheology of the continuous phase.
It can therefore be evaluated in:
The final stability depends on the complete formulation, processing method and compatibility of all ingredients.
Carbomer 940 is suitable for evaluation in various skin-care formulations where high viscosity and controlled texture are required.
Potential applications include:
Its ability to build viscosity can help create products with a smooth and structured consistency.
Carbomer 940 can also be used in selected hair-care products, particularly formulations requiring viscosity modification and suspension properties.
Potential applications include:
Commercial technical information for Carbomer 940 describes applications in both hair-care and skin-care products.
Carbomer 940 can be incorporated into suitable cream and lotion formulations to modify viscosity and help maintain product structure.
It can contribute to:
Carbomer 940 is particularly suitable for gel systems requiring high viscosity.
It can be considered for:
The final gel characteristics depend on polymer concentration, neutralization, pH, electrolytes and other formulation components.
Carbomer 940 is supplied as an acidic polymeric material and develops its characteristic viscosity after appropriate neutralization.
The selected neutralizing agent, final pH and formulation composition can significantly affect the viscosity and rheological behavior of the finished product.
Therefore, pH adjustment should be performed during formulation development rather than applying one universal neutralization level to every formulation.
Electrolytes can affect carbomer viscosity and rheological performance. The effect depends on concentration, formulation composition and processing conditions.
Formulators should evaluate the selected Carbomer 940 grade together with the actual salts, active ingredients, surfactants and other raw materials used in the finished product.
Important parameters include:
Proper dispersion is important because incomplete dispersion can affect the measured viscosity and final product performance.
Carbomer 940 is a high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of pentaerythritol. USP specifies 56.0%–68.0% carboxylic acid groups on a dried basis and a neutralized 0.5% aqueous dispersion viscosity of 40,000–60,000 mPa·s.
Because Carbomer 940 is a crosslinked polymer, its molecular characteristics should be represented as polymer-dependent rather than treated like a simple low-molecular-weight chemical.
Carbomer 940 is commonly supplied as a white to off-white or fluffy white powder. Commercial technical documentation describes it as a fluffy white powder.
Exact appearance should be taken from the specification of the particular commercial grade supplied.
Typical quality-control parameters may include:
USP establishes the carboxylic acid and viscosity requirements for Carbomer 940, while individual commercial grades may have additional quality parameters.
General storage considerations include:
Carbomer powders are hygroscopic, and commercial product information recommends keeping containers tightly closed.
Carbomer 940 can be evaluated in:
Carbomer 940 is a high-molecular-weight crosslinked acrylic polymer used primarily as a thickener, rheology modifier, viscosity controller, suspending agent and formulation stabilizer.
It is used to control viscosity, texture, flow and suspension in suitable cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
Yes. Carbomer 940 is a high-viscosity carbomer grade used as a thickening and rheology-modifying polymer.
Yes. It modifies the rheological behavior of suitable formulations and can provide controlled viscosity and product structure.
Yes. It is particularly suitable for high-viscosity gel systems.
Yes. It can be evaluated in suitable creams, lotions and emulsion-based formulations.
Yes. Carbomer 940 can be used in suitable hair-gel and styling formulations.
USP specifies 40,000–60,000 mPa·s for a neutralized 0.5% aqueous dispersion under the applicable test conditions.
USP specifies 56.0%–68.0%, calculated on the dried basis.
Carbomer 940 is a crosslinked polymer, so a simple fixed molecular formula does not adequately represent the complete polymeric material.
CAS No. 9003-01-4 is used for Carbomer 940 in some current commercial and regulatory product records.
Some generic carbomer records also use other CAS identifiers, so the CAS number should be matched to the exact commercial grade being supplied.
Polymer concentration, neutralization, pH, electrolytes, surfactants, mixing conditions and other formulation ingredients can affect viscosity.
Yes. It can be supplied for bulk cosmetic raw-material requirements according to grade, quantity, packaging and specification.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |