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940 Self-Wetting
Compared with an international benchmark sample, AC-Carbomer 940 reaches self-wetting in 40 min at 0.2 wt%.
Cosmetic Grade Carbomer
AC-Carbomer Series
INCI name: Carbomer | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A MAGICAL THICKENING AGENT
Controllable Rheology
Fast Wetting
Easy Dispersion
High Transparency
REACH Compliance
Benzene-Free Solvent
ANECO Carbomer Series covers AC-Carbomer 940, 980, U20 and U21 for skincare, personal care and home care formulations. After neutralization, these cross-linked acrylic polymers build transparent gel matrices for efficient thickening, suspension and O/W emulsion stabilization at low use levels. REACH compliance support and benzene-free solvent control help procurement teams review raw-material documentation with greater confidence.
0.2-1.5%
Recommended dosage range based on selected type and formulation target.
1.5 min
AC-Carbomer U21 self-wetting time at 0.2 wt% in ANECO test data.
≥85%
Type-specific clarity specification, with U20 at ≥90% and U21 at ≥92%.
Type Comparison
AC-Carbomer Type Comparison
Compare AC-Carbomer 940, 980, U20 and U21 by INCI, CAS No., dosage and dispersion behavior before sample testing.
| Product Name | AC-Carbomer 940 / 980 / U20 / U21 |
|---|---|
| INCI / Chemical Name | 940 / 980: Carbomer U20 / U21: Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer |
| CAS No. | 940 / 980: 9003-01-4 U20 / U21: N/A |
| Appearance | Fluffy white powder |
| Technical Role | Cosmetic rheology modifier, transparent gel thickener, suspending agent and O/W emulsion stabilizer |
| Solubility / Dispersibility | Dispersible in water, ethanol/water and glycerol systems. U20 / U21 provide rapid self-wetting for automated or high-throughput production. |
| Recommended Dosage | 940 / 980: 0.2% - 1.0% U20 / U21: 0.2% - 1.5%, adjusted by target viscosity, clarity and electrolyte load. |
Type Selection at a Glance
Clear gels, serums, creams, lotions, hydroalcoholic gels, hair styling gels, shampoos, body washes and sunscreen lotions.
Dispersion Method
Recommended swelling and dispersion temperature for carbomer is below 30°C. For Carbomer U20 and U21, sprinkle the powder into the stationary aqueous phase, allow it to wet naturally before neutralization.
Compatibility Notes
It exhibits good compatibility with nonionic surfactants and nonionic preservatives. For formulations containing high levels of electrolytes, cationic raw materials or excessive heavy oils, appropriate carbomer types shall be selected and small-scale trials conducted in advance.
Performance
940 / 980 Performance Highlights for Sample Screening
Review 940 / 980 advantages against international benchmark samples, including clear gel appearance, faster self-wetting, suspension support and salt-tolerance screening before sample testing.
980 Self-Wetting
Compared with an international benchmark sample, AC-Carbomer 980 reaches self-wetting in 20 min at 0.2 wt%.
Self-Wetting Test Level
The self-wetting comparison uses 0.2 wt% carbomer concentration for 940 and 980 screening.
980 Salt-Tolerance Screening
Test comparison data under 0.1 wt% NaCl positions Carbomer 980 for strong viscosity retention under salt challenge.
980 Clear Gel Appearance
Carbomer 980 sample comparison highlights high transparency with fewer bubbles for refined gel systems.
940 / 980 Thickening Support
After neutralization, 940 and 980 build polymer networks that support thickening, suspension and O/W emulsion stabilization.
Better 9-Series Wetting
AC-Carbomer 940 and 980 show faster self-wetting performance than the tested international benchmark samples.
9-Series Formula Fit
940 and 980 are positioned for clear gels, creams, lotions, hydroalcoholic gels and other personal care systems.
Application
Application and Processing Guide
Use these practical guidelines to hydrate, neutralize and test AC-Carbomer types in cosmetic formulations.
- Recommended dosage Use 0.2% - 1.0% for 940 / 980 and 0.2% - 1.5% for U20 / U21, adjusted by viscosity target and product format.
- Dispersion and hydration Use salt-free, alkali-free water. Hydrate traditional types overnight or disperse with high-speed mixing under suitable deaeration.
- Neutralization step Neutralize after complete wetting and hydration to build the final gel matrix; incomplete swelling can cause pH drift and haze.
- Compatibility checks Screen electrolyte load, surfactant charge, oils, powders and preservatives because these can affect clarity, viscosity and gel strength.
Recommended Formula Systems
Clear gel
HA serum
Cream and lotion
Hydroalcoholic gel
Sunscreen lotion
Shampoo and body wash
Hair styling gel
Electrolyte-containing systems
Avoid direct dispersion into saline or ion-containing water. Cationic surfactants and quaternary ammonium preservatives may cause flocculation, while high electrolyte levels, clay minerals and heavy metal ions can reduce gel clarity and viscosity.
Documents and Support
Technical Documents and Product Positioning
Review public product positioning and request type-specific files for regulatory review, comparison testing and bulk purchasing.
Product Positioning
Recommended Product Positioning
Cosmetic grade carbomer, rheology modifier, transparent gel thickener, suspension stabilizer, O/W emulsion support, rapid wetting and technical formulation support.
Technical Files to Request
Ask for the files needed to confirm specifications, regulatory review, sample testing and bulk order qualification.
FAQ
Carbomer Series FAQ
Answers to common buyer questions about dosage, benchmark comparison, type selection, formula compatibility and order documents.
What is the recommended dosage of AC-Carbomer 940, 980, U20 and U21?
Use 0.2% - 1.0% for AC-Carbomer 940 / 980 and 0.2% - 1.5% for AC-Carbomer U20 / U21. Final dosage should be confirmed by target viscosity, gel clarity, electrolyte level and product format.
How should ANECO Carbomer Series be evaluated in formulation testing?
AC-Carbomer 940, 980, U20 and U21 should be evaluated in the customer's own formula. Key indicators such as viscosity, clarity, pH, electrolyte tolerance, wetting behavior and finished-product sensory performance should be tested before scale-up.
How should formulators choose between AC-Carbomer 940, 980, U20 and U21?
Choose 940 for high-clarity short-rheology gels, 980 for high viscosity with useful suspension support, U20 for long rheology and stronger electrolyte tolerance, and U21 when fast wetting, high transparency and a fresher non-sticky feel are priorities.
How does Carbomer Series support clear gels, viscosity and suspension stability?
After neutralization, carbomer forms a hydrated polymer network that builds viscosity, improves clear gel structure and helps suspend particles or droplets. AC-Carbomer 980 and U20 also show stronger dispersion and suspension behavior than benchmark samples.
Is Carbomer Series compatible with electrolytes, surfactants, AHAs and active ingredients?
Compatibility depends on the type and formula load. Nonionic surfactants generally work well; high electrolytes, cationic materials, some ionic preservatives, powders with metal ions and high levels of acidic actives should be screened because they may reduce viscosity or clarity.
What documents, sample support and MOQ information are available for bulk carbomer orders?
ANECO can provide type-specific TDS, SDS or MSDS, specifications, COA samples and formulation support for AC-Carbomer 940, 980, U20 and U21. MOQ, packaging and lead time can be confirmed during sample or quotation discussion.
