How to Use AccessTHIX 881 in Your Formulations
Understanding AccessTHIX 881
AccessTHIX 881 is a benzene-free polymer thickener designed to create clear, stable gels and elegant textures in a wide range of personal care products. For new formulators, think of it as a specialized powder that turns watery formulas into smooth gels or rich lotions. It’s highly efficient, so you only need a very small amount to build noticeable viscosity without a sticky or stringy feel.
For the technical formulator, AccessTHIX 881 is a cosmetic-grade carbomer. In aqueous systems, the polymer swells and uncoils upon neutralization, forming a hydrogen-bonded network that efficiently builds viscosity and yield value. This provides clarity, elegant flow, and suspension capability for beads, pigments, or actives. Its benzene-free manufacturing route aligns with modern safety and compliance expectations. It performs well across a broad range of formats, including hydroalcoholic sanitizing gels, emulsions, and oral care gels.
Formulation Tips
Typical use levels are 0.1–1.5%, depending on the desired viscosity and application. Use 0.1–0.5% for light fluids and lotions, and 0.5–1.5% for thicker gels and creams.
Disperse AccessTHIX 881 into the water phase under good agitation to avoid clumping. Once fully hydrated, neutralize to raise pH into the optimal range (about pH 6.0–7.5) to trigger gel formation. Common neutralizers include sodium hydroxide or triethanolamine; selection depends on your system and regulatory preferences. Carbomers are sensitive to electrolytes; higher salt loads may require formula adjustments or slightly higher polymer dosage.
For hydroalcoholic gels, ensure thorough dispersion in water first, then neutralize before introducing alcohol slowly with adequate mixing to maintain clarity and viscosity. Check final pH and adjust as needed after all components are added.
Key Formulation Benefits:
- Benzene-Free: Manufactured without benzene to align with modern safety and compliance expectations.
- High-Efficiency Thickening: Builds substantial viscosity at very low use levels, enabling cost-effective, elegant textures.
- Crystal-Clear Gels: Ideal for clear hydroalcoholic sanitizing gels and visually appealing water-based systems.
- Non-Tacky, Smooth Feel: Creates clean, breakable gels and rich lotion textures with superior aesthetics.
- Suspension Power: Provides yield value to help suspend beads, pigments, and insoluble actives uniformly.
- Cold-Process Friendly: Can be dispersed and activated at ambient temperature for processing flexibility.