Carbomer 940 is a high molecular weight polymer, primarily used as a thickening agent in various cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations. Its key applications include:
1. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:
- Gels: Carbomer 940 is commonly used in gel formulations such as hair styling gels, facial gels, and shaving gels due to its ability to impart a smooth texture and improve the stability of gels.
- Creams and Lotions: It acts as a thickener and stabilizer in emulsions, helping to maintain the consistency of creams and lotions.
- Facial Masks: Used to create gel-like textures in peel-off and wash-off facial masks.
- Anti-Aging Products: It helps in achieving a smooth, non-greasy texture, enhancing the sensory feel of the product.
- Hand Sanitizers: Carbomer 940 is used in the formulation of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, giving the gel its thickened consistency.
2. Pharmaceutical Applications:
- Topical Gels and Ointments: Carbomer 940 is used in pharmaceutical formulations for its gelling properties, allowing the delivery of active ingredients in a controlled, sustained-release form.
- Oral Gels: It is sometimes used in oral gel formulations like those for treating mouth ulcers or sore throats.
- Formulation of Sustained-Release Tablets: Carbomer 940 can be used in controlled-release tablet formulations to control the release of active ingredients over time.
3. Industrial Uses:
- Paints and Coatings: In certain paint formulations, Carbomer 940 is used to modify the viscosity and improve the spreadability.
- Lubricants and Polishes: It is included in some lubricant and polish formulations for its ability to enhance viscosity and prevent separation.
4. Food and Beverage (in specific applications):
- Food Gels and Emulsions: Though more commonly used in cosmetics, Carbomer 940 can be used in food formulations like gels and emulsions, often in low concentrations.
Key Properties:
- Thickening agent: Provides thickening, gelling, and suspending properties.
- Stabilizing: Stabilizes emulsions and suspensions.
- Versatile: Works well in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems.
- pH sensitivity: Carbomer 940 gels typically form in a wide pH range but must be neutralized (usually with a base like triethanolamine) to fully activate its gelling properties.
Its use depends on achieving the right formulation, as its effectiveness is influenced by factors such as the concentration used, the pH of the product, and the presence of other ingredients.