How to Use AccessTHIX 890 in Your Formulations
Understanding AccessTHIX 890
AccessTHIX 890 is a cosmetic formulator’s secret weapon for turning watery liquids into thick, stable gels. Think of it like a microscopic sponge. When you add the dry powder to water, it soaks up the water and waits. It doesn’t actually thicken the formula until you activate it with a neutralizer. This activation step causes the tiny polymer chains to uncoil and expand, creating a complex network that traps water and builds viscosity. The result is a beautiful, crystal-clear gel.
For the chemistry-minded: AccessTHIX 890 is a high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid (Carbomer). It thickens via neutralization. When you add an alkaline ingredient (such as a sodium hydroxide solution or triethanolamine), you raise the pH. This causes the acidic polymer to uncoil due to electrostatic repulsion, forming a stable gel matrix. One of its key features is its ability to maintain this gel structure even in the presence of high levels of alcohol, which makes it invaluable for products like hand sanitizers.
Formulation Tips
Using a carbomer like AccessTHIX 890 is easy once you know the steps. The most important thing is to disperse it properly to avoid clumps, often called “fish eyes.”
- Dispersion: Slowly sprinkle the AccessTHIX 890 powder into the water phase of your formula while mixing continuously. A high-shear mixer or stick blender can help, but avoid mixing so fast that you incorporate excess air.
- Hydration: Allow the mixture to sit for 15–30 minutes to fully hydrate. The mixture will be slightly thickened but still watery and cloudy at this point.
- Neutralization: Prepare a dilute solution of a neutralizer, such as 10% sodium hydroxide or use triethanolamine (TEA). Add your neutralizer drop-by-drop while stirring. You will see the formula instantly transform into a thick, clear gel. Stop once you reach your desired viscosity and a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 (the range for maximum viscosity).
Use 0.2–0.5% for most serums and lotions. For thicker gels like hand sanitizers or hair styling gels, you can go up to 1.0%. Always add heat-sensitive ingredients after the gel has formed and the formula has cooled down.
Key Performance Benefits:
- Crystal-Clear Formulations: Creates exceptionally clear gels, ideal for visually appealing serums and sanitizers.
- High Efficiency at Low Use Levels: Typical usage rates of 0.2–0.5% create significant viscosity, making it cost-effective.
- Excellent Alcohol Tolerance: Maintains thickening power and clarity even at high alcohol concentrations, perfect for hand sanitizer gels.
- Superior Suspension Power: Builds a stable network to suspend beads, glitter, or encapsulated actives.
- Smooth, Non-Sticky Texture: Delivers clean, light skin feel without the tackiness associated with some natural gums.
- Versatile Performance: Provides thickening, stabilizing, and suspending across formats from thin serums to thick styling gels.