Key Points

• Distinct Gelling Agents: The carbomer 940 vs carbomer homopolymer debate hinges on their viscosity, clarity, and formulation fit, with Carbomer 940 offering high clarity and Carbomer Homopolymer varying by type.
• Carbomer 940 Defined: What is Carbomer 940? A cross-linked polyacrylate polymer, ideal for clear, high-viscosity gels in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
• Homopolymer Types: Carbomer Homopolymer includes Types A, B, and C, differing in viscosity and flow, with Type C closest to Carbomer 940.
• Comparison with 980: Carbomer 940 vs 980 shows 980’s superior clarity and electrolyte tolerance, but 940’s cost-effectiveness shines.
• Elchemy’s Role: Elchemy’s AI-driven platform ensures high-purity procurement of raw materials, streamlining sourcing for carbomers.

High-viscosity formulations, like gels and creams, rely on carbomers to deliver texture, stability, and user appeal. In the carbomer 940 vs carbomer homopolymer comparison, choosing the right gelling agent impacts product performance and consumer satisfaction in the $90 billion U.S. personal care market . This blog dives into their differences, applications, and how Elchemy simplifies chemical procurement for manufacturers

Understanding Carbomers

Carbomers are synthetic, high-molecular-weight polyacrylate polymers, cross-linked with allyl ethers, used as rheology modifiers in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. They form thick, stable gels when neutralized (pH 6-8), offering viscosity and clarity. The carbomer 940 vs carbomer homopolymer comparison hinges on their chemical structure, viscosity profiles, and formulation fit.

What Is Carbomer 940?

• Definition: A cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer, known for high viscosity (40,000-60,000 cP at 0.5% concentration) and excellent clarity in aqueous gels.
• Properties: White, fluffy powder; water-swellable; non-toxic (LD50 >5,000 mg/kg, rat); sensitive to electrolytes.
• Production: Synthesized via polymerization, cross-linked with allyl pentaerythritol. Costs $10-$20/kg (July 2025).
• Regulatory: FDA-approved for cosmetics (21 CFR 172.808), REACH-compliant (<0.1% residual monomers).

Carbomer Homopolymer: A Diverse Family

• Definition: A broad category of polyacrylic acid polymers, classified as Types A, B, and C based on viscosity and flow:
  • Type A: Low viscosity (4,000-11,000 cP), short flow, for lotions.
  • Type B: Medium viscosity (25,000-45,000 cP), medium flow, for creams.
  • Type C: High viscosity (45,000-65,000 cP), long flow, for gels (closest to Carbomer 940).
• Properties: Varies by type; water-swellable; non-toxic; less clarity than 940 in some cases.
• Production: Similar to 940, with varying cross-linkers. Costs $8-$18/kg.
• Regulatory: FDA and REACH-compliant, with specific grades for pharmaceuticals.

Key Difference: Carbomer 940 is a specific, high-clarity grade; Carbomer Homopolymer encompasses a range, with Type C most similar to 940.

Carbomer 940 vs Carbomer Homopolymer: Core Differences

Property	Carbomer 940	Carbomer Homopolymer
Viscosity (0.5%)	40,000-60,000 cP	Type A: 4,000-11,000 cP; Type B: 25,000-45,000 cP; Type C: 45,000-65,000 cP
Clarity	High (clear gels)	Varies (Type C closest to 940)
Flow Characteristics	Short flow, rigid gels	Type A: short; Type B: medium; Type C: long
Electrolyte Tolerance	Low (degrades with salts)	Varies (Type C slightly better)
Applications	Clear gels, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals	Lotions (A), creams (B), gels (C)

Key Insight: Carbomer 940 excels in clear, high-viscosity gels; Carbomer Homopolymer offers flexibility, with Type C matching 940’s viscosity but varying in flow.

Also Read: How Speciality Chemicals Are Transforming India Into A Global Superpower?

Carbomer 940 vs 980: A Quick Comparison

Carbomer 940 vs 980 is another key consideration:

• Carbomer 980: A newer grade, cross-linked with a different allyl ether, offering higher clarity and better electrolyte tolerance (stable with <0.5% salts).
• Viscosity: Similar to 940 (40,000-60,000 cP), but smoother texture.
• Cost: $12-$22/kg, slightly higher than 940.
• Applications: Preferred for premium cosmetics needing clarity and salt tolerance (e.g., hair gels).
• Drawback: Higher cost and limited availability compared to 940.

Example: An X post notes, “Carbomer 940’s clarity is great, but 980 handles salts better for complex gels!” (X Post).

Applications in High-Viscosity Formulations

Carbomer 940 Uses

Carbomer 940’s high viscosity and clarity make it ideal for:

1. Cosmetic Gels:
   • Role: Thickens clear face gels, serums, and sunscreens.
   • Benefits: Provides 40,000-60,000 cP viscosity at 0.5%, with crystal-clear aesthetics.
   • Example: A U.S. brand uses Elchemy’s Carbomer 940 for a hydrating gel, ensuring >99% purity.
   • How: Neutralize 0.2-0.5% with triethanolamine (TEA) at pH 6-7.
2. Pharmaceutical Creams:
   • Role: Stabilizes topical ointments (e.g., hydrocortisone creams).
   • Benefits: Enhances drug delivery with consistent viscosity.
   • Example: A pharma firm sources Elchemy’s Carbomer 940 for burn creams.
   • How: Use 0.3-0.5% with active ingredients.
3. Hair Gels:
   • Role: Creates stiff, clear styling gels.
   • Benefits: Holds shape, resists humidity, per a 2023 study (PMC).
   • Example: Elchemy supplies Carbomer 940 for a high-hold gel.
   • How: Formulate at 0.4% with PVP for hold.

Sourcing Tip: Source USP-grade Carbomer 940 (>99.5%, <0.01% benzene) for cosmetics and pharma.

Carbomer Homopolymer Uses

Carbomer Homopolymer’s versatility suits varied formulations:

1. Lotions (Type A):
   • Role: Thickens lightweight lotions for body care.
   • Benefits: Low viscosity (4,000-11,000 cP) ensures spreadability.
   • Example: A skincare brand uses Elchemy’s Type A for daily lotions.
   • How: Use 0.1-0.3% for fluid textures.
2. Creams (Type B):
   • Role: Stabilizes rich creams for moisturizers.
   • Benefits: Medium viscosity (25,000-45,000 cP) balances thickness and feel.
   • Example: Elchemy supplies Type B for anti-aging creams.
   • How: Formulate at 0.2-0.4% with emollients.
3. Gels (Type C):
   • Role: Creates high-viscosity gels, similar to Carbomer 940.
   • Benefits: Long flow suits pharmaceutical gels, viscosity up to 65,000 cP.
   • Example: A pharma brand uses Elchemy’s Type C for topical gels.
   • How: Neutralize 0.3-0.5% at pH 6-8.

Sourcing Tip: Choose Type C for high-viscosity gels, Type A/B for lighter textures, ensuring FDA compliance.

Also Read: Top 5 Global Logistics and Shipping Challenges Impacting the Chemical Industry in 2025

Which Is Better for High-Viscosity Formulations?

The carbomer 940 vs carbomer homopolymer choice depends on your needs:

1. Viscosity Requirements:
   • Carbomer 940: Ideal for rigid, high-viscosity gels (40,000-60,000 cP), perfect for clear cosmetics.
   • Carbomer Homopolymer: Type C matches 940’s viscosity but offers longer flow for pharmaceutical gels; Types A/B suit lower viscosity.
2. Clarity and Aesthetics:
   • Carbomer 940: Superior clarity for premium cosmetic gels.
   • Carbomer Homopolymer: Type C is clear but less so than 940; Types A/B are cloudier.
3. Electrolyte Sensitivity:
   • Carbomer 940: Sensitive to salts, degrading at >0.5% electrolytes.
   • Carbomer Homopolymer: Type C has slightly better tolerance, but carbomer 940 vs 980 favors 980 for salt-heavy formulas.
4. Cost and Availability:
   • Carbomer 940: Cost-effective ($10-$20/kg), widely available.
   • Carbomer Homopolymer: Similar cost ($8-$18/kg), but Type C may face supply constraints.

Recommendation: Choose Carbomer 940 for clear, cosmetic gels with high viscosity; opt for Homopolymer Type C for pharmaceutical gels needing long flow. For salt-tolerant formulas, consider Carbomer 980.

Challenges in Using Carbomers

1. Electrolyte Sensitivity:
   • Challenge: Salts reduce viscosity, affecting gel stability.
   • Solution: Elchemy provides formulation guidance (e.g., <0.5% salts).
2. Cost:
   • Challenge: Carbomer 940 ($10-$20/kg) is pricier than alternatives like xanthan gum.
   • Solution: Elchemy optimizes sourcing, saving 15% on costs.
3. Supply Chain:
   • Challenge: Tariffs (5-10%) and disruptions in China affect supply.
   • Solution: Elchemy’s global network ensures availability.
4. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Challenge: Residual benzene (>0.01%) risks non-compliance.
   • Solution: Elchemy ensures USP-grade carbomers with COAs.

Example: An X post notes, “Carbomer 940’s clarity is unbeatable, but watch out for salts!” (X Post).

Elchemy’s Role in Carbomer Procurement

Elchemy’s platform streamlines procurement of chemicals for carbomers:

• High-Purity Supply: >99.5% purity, <0.01% residual benzene.
• Compliance: SDS for FDA, REACH, ensuring USP-grade standards.
• Custom Grades: Matches carbomers to applications (e.g., 940 for cosmetics, Type C for pharma).
• Global Network: Sources from U.S., India, China, navigating tariffs.
• Sustainability: Offers bio-based alternatives, reducing emissions by 10%.
• Logistics: Cuts lead times by 20% with blockchain tracking.

Example: A U.S. brand sources Elchemy’s Carbomer 940 for a clear gel, meeting FDA standards.

Sourcing Strategies

Factor	Carbomer 940	Carbomer Homopolymer
Price (July 2025)	$10-$20/kg	$8-$18/kg (varies by type)
Purity	>99.5%, <0.01% benzene	>99%, <0.01% benzene
Key Suppliers	U.S., India, China	U.S., India, Europe
Applications	Clear gels, cosmetics, pharma	Lotions (A), creams (B), gels (C)
Clarity	High	Moderate to high (Type C)

Tips:

1. Source USP-grade carbomers with COAs (<0.01% benzene).
2. Test viscosity at 0.5% concentration (40,000-60,000 cP for 940/Type C).
3. Use Elchemy for FDA/REACH-compliant SDS.
4. Monitor prices via ICIS for cost planning.
5. Neutralize at pH 6-8 with TEA or NaOH.
6. Store carbomers in dry, cool conditions (<25°C).

Real-World Impact

• Cosmetics: Elchemy’s Carbomer 940 creates clear, hydrating gels for skincare.
• Pharmaceuticals: Homopolymer Type C stabilizes topical creams, ensuring drug delivery.
• Haircare: Carbomer 940 delivers high-hold styling gels with clarity.
• Sunscreens: Type B provides smooth, spreadable textures for UV protection.
  
  

Wrapping Up

In the carbomer 940 vs carbomer homopolymer debate, Carbomer 940 shines for clear, high-viscosity cosmetic gels, while Homopolymer Type C excels in pharmaceutical gels with long flow. Carbomer 940 vs 980 favors 980 for salt-tolerant formulas, but 940’s cost-effectiveness wins for standard gels. What is Carbomer 940? It’s a versatile, high-clarity thickener, but Homopolymer’s range offers flexibility. Elchemy’s AI-driven procurement of raw materials ensures high-purity, compliant carbomers, empowering manufacturers in a $90 billion market.