Carbomer 940: A Concise Scientific Guide for Cosmetic Raw Material

What Is Carbomer 940? Carbomer 940 is white hygroscopic fine powder synthesized by copolymerizing acrylic acid and allyl pentaerythritol cross-linker. Its molecular chain carries a large number of carboxyl groups; after neutralization by alkaline agents (TEA, AMP), the polymer chain stretches to form a 3D water-locking network to produce transparent elastic gel. Carbomer 940 (INCI: Carbomer, CAS:9003-01-4) is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer, the most mainstream transparent gel thickener in water-based cosmetics. Core Basic Properties Appearance: White fluffy powder, cosmetic grade removes benzene residual via enzymatic purification, compliant with EU REACH and NMPA standards. Thickening condition: Effective viscosity only at neutral pH 6.0–7.0; viscosity collapses under pH 5.0. Dosage range:0.1%–0.5% for conventional gel formulas, ultra-low addition compared with natural thickeners such as Xanthan Gum. Transparency feature: Neutralized gel light transmittance over 90%, no turbidity, core raw material for clear skincare products.

Core Efficacy of Carbomer 940

• High-efficiency thickening & short-flow rheology

Only 0.2% addition can form high-viscosity non-dripping gel. It has "short flow" texture: no stringiness after smearing, suitable for massage gel and eye serum. A 2024 formulation test proved its viscosity stability lasts 12 months without water separation, better than plant thickeners.

• Crystal clear gel forming ability

Uniform cross-linking structure avoids particle haze, it is the exclusive thickener for transparent aloe gel, VC essence and alcohol hand sanitizer.

• Suspension stabilization

3D network locks insoluble particles (sunscreen powder, plant microcapsules) to prevent precipitation, widely used in exfoliating gel and brightening serum.

• Safe surface protective film

Macromolecules cannot penetrate human stratum corneum, only form breathable film on skin surface, no systemic absorption toxicity, verified by CIR long-term toxicology test.

Main Application Fields of Carbomer 940

• Facial skincare: Transparent soothing gel, hydrating serum, massage cream, post-operation repair gel, accounts for 52% of total market consumption.
• Sanitary personal care: 75% alcohol hand sanitizer gel, shower gel, styling hair gel (29%).
• Color cosmetics: Clear primer, exfoliating scrub, water-based makeup remover (12%).
• Medical auxiliary products: Ointment base, wound repair hydrogel, ophthalmic sustained-release gel (7%).

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the difference between Carbomer 940 and Carbomer 980?

A: Carbomer 940 has higher viscosity and ultra-high transparency, suitable for low-salt, low-alcohol clear skincare; Carbomer 980 owns stronger electrolyte & alcohol resistance, more fit for high-concentration alcohol hand sanitizer.

Q2: Is Carbomer 940 irritating to sensitive skin?

A: CIR 2018 safety assessment confirmed raw Carbomer 940 is non-irritating and non-sensitizing at standard dosage ≤1%. Skin redness mostly comes from excessive neutralizer TEA rather than Carbomer 940 itself, low dosage 0.1%–0.3% can be used for sensitive skin care.

Q3: Why can’t Carbomer 940 thicken after preparation?

A: Three major reasons supported by formulation experiment: 1) pH lower than 5.5 without full neutralization; 2) excess electrolyte ingredients break gel network; 3) insufficient hydration time leads to powder agglomeration and incomplete swelling.

Q4: Can Carbomer 940 match hyaluronic acid, VC and peptides?

A: Good compatibility with non-salt water-soluble actives, it can stabilize active uniform distribution. Avoid direct compound with high-salt derivatives such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate without formula adjustment.

Q5: Is Carbomer 940 clean beauty & vegan compliant?

A: Fully synthetic without animal raw materials, vegan and cruelty-free. Benzene-free low-impurity grade meets COSMOS and Ecocert certification requirements.

Brief Market Development Trend

• Market scale: Global Carbomer 940 market size reached USD 127 million in 2025, CAGR 5.8% till 2035, Asia-Pacific is the largest production and consumption region (47% share).
• Main development directions: (1) Benzene-free low-residual purified grade becomes mandatory mainstream by 2028 under global clean beauty regulation. (2) Fast-dispersion modified Carbomer 940 reduces factory mixing time, lowering batch failure rate. (3) Compound thickener formula (blend with polyacrylate copolymer) solves its poor salt tolerance defect for multi-active complex essence.
• Core competitive advantage: Exempted from EU microplastic ban, irreplaceable by natural thickeners in transparent gel formulas.

Conclusion

Carbomer 940 is a mature, safe and high-performance cosmetic thickener, with complete CIR toxicology safety certification and academic formulation data support. Its ultra-low dosage, crystal transparency and stable suspension performance maintain steady market demand growth. For cosmetic brands and formulators, benzene-free high-purity Carbomer 940 is the preferred raw material for developing high-end transparent gel products that meet global clean label standards.

References

1. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Final Safety Assessment of Carbomers-910, 934, 940 and related polymers[J]. International Journal of Toxicology, 1982, 1(3):127-144.
2. CIR Updated Safety Review of Polyacrylic Acid Carbomer Polymers, 2018, Official Toxicology Archive.
3. Lubrizol Technical Manual: Cosmetic Grade Carbopol 940 Polymer, 2026.
4. Asasutjarit R. Rheology Stability Test of Carbomer 940 Hydrogel System[J]. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024.
5. Market Research Intellect. Global Carbomer 940 Industry Forecast Report 2025–2035, 2026.