How to Use AccessTHIX 20 in Your Formulations
Understanding AccessTHIX 20
AccessTHIX 20 is a powerful thickener that gives you precise control over the texture of your products. Think of it as a microscopic sponge that swells in water to create a stable gel network. This network turns a watery liquid into a rich cream, a smooth lotion, or a clear gel. To activate it, simply raise the pH of your water phase—a process called neutralization.
For the chemists: AccessTHIX 20 is a hydrophobically modified cross-linked polyacrylate polymer (INCI: Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer). The C10-30 alkyl modification imparts oil-associative character, enabling not only efficient aqueous thickening but also stabilization of small amounts of oil for more stable emulsions and a smoother, less tacky skin feel than standard carbomers. This architecture also improves tolerance to electrolytes and compatibility with surfactants, making it highly versatile across leave-on and rinse-off systems.
How to Use This Ingredient
AccessTHIX 20 is a fine white powder. Typical usage is 0.1–0.5% for lotions and serums, and 0.5–1.5% for thicker gels.
- Dispersion: Slowly sprinkle the powder into the water phase while mixing continuously. A sieve helps prevent clumping. Mix until all white specks disappear and the polymer is fully hydrated. The mixture will still be thin and acidic at this stage.
- Neutralization: Raise the pH with a suitable base (e.g., dilute Sodium Hydroxide or Triethanolamine) added gradually under stirring. Viscosity will increase rapidly as the polymer swells. A final pH of about 6.0–7.5 typically gives maximum thickening.
- Cold-Process Friendly: No heat is required. You can formulate entirely at room temperature to save time and protect heat-sensitive actives.
Key Performance Benefits:
- Elegant & Smooth Texture: Creates non-tacky, silky lotions and creams with excellent spreadability.
- Crystal-Clear Gels: Forms clear, stable gels ideal for serums, hair gels, and sanitizer formats.
- Excellent Suspension Power: Suspends beads, pigments, exfoliants, and mineral UV filters for uniform distribution.
- Versatile & Robust: Tolerates electrolytes and performs well in systems with moderate surfactant content.
- Cold-Process Compatible: Eliminates heating steps, simplifies processing, and protects sensitive actives.
- Highly Efficient: Achieves high viscosity at low use levels (typically <1%) for cost-effective thickening.