How to Use AccessTHIX 840 in Your Formulations
Understanding AccessTHIX 840
AccessTHIX 840 is a cosmetic chemist’s secret weapon for controlling product texture (rheology). In powder form it appears inactive, but once dispersed in water and neutralized, it transforms into a powerful gelling agent. Think of it like a super‑absorbent sponge that swells to create a supportive network that holds water and other ingredients in place—turning a thin liquid into a stable gel, lotion, or cream.
Technically, AccessTHIX 840 is a high‑molecular‑weight acrylic acid polymer (Carbomer). In water, the polymer chains are coiled. When you add a neutralizer (a base such as Sodium Hydroxide or Triethanolamine), the pH rises and the polymer uncoils and expands. This expansion drives the dramatic increase in viscosity and provides suspension power for beads, pigments, and other insolubles.
Formulation Tips
1. Dispersion: Sprinkle the powder slowly into a fast-moving water vortex to prevent clumps or “fish eyes.” Mix until fully wetted and hydrated. For best results, disperse before adding salts/electrolytes or other viscosity-reducing materials.
2. Neutralization: After hydration, the mixture will still be thin. Add a neutralizing base (e.g., dilute Sodium Hydroxide or Triethanolamine) gradually until you reach pH ~6.0–7.5. Viscosity builds almost instantly upon neutralization.
Usage rate: 0.1–1.0%. For thin serums/lotions, start around 0.2–0.4%. For thick gels or rich creams, 0.5–1.0%. Carbomers can be sensitive to electrolytes; high salt content or some botanical extracts may reduce viscosity, so adjust levels accordingly.
Key Formulation Benefits:
- High Efficiency at Low Concentrations: Achieve large viscosity gains at just 0.1–1.0% for cost‑effective texture control.
- Crystal‑Clear Gels: When properly neutralized, forms high‑clarity gels ideal for serums, styling gels, and sanitizers.
- Excellent Emulsion Stability: Helps prevent oil/water separation in creams and lotions for long‑term stability.
- Smooth, Elegant Texture: Delivers a light, non‑sticky glide—without the stringiness common to some natural gums.
- Versatile Across Applications: Effective in water gels, O/W emulsions, and surfactant systems like shampoos and body washes.
- Superior Suspension Power: Provides high yield value to suspend beads, exfoliants, and pigments evenly.