Quick-Set 2% Carbomer Gel Thickener Base Formula 409
This is a ready-to-use thickener base that helps small-batch creams, gels, and emulsions build more body and hold a smoother texture. It is useful when a formula needs extra thickness without preparing a new carbomer gel from the beginning.
Best for: Intermediate formulators thickening compatible cosmetic batches below 200 g
System: Neutralised 2% Carbomer stock gel
Base Status: Concentrated thickener base. Not a finished skincare product.
Main focus: Carbomer dispersion, low-shear hydration, preservation, neutralisation, and pH adjustment
Texture expectation: Smooth, thick gel concentrate
pH Range: Target pH 5.5
Viscosity: Estimated very high-viscosity gel concentrate
Appearance: Clear to translucent gel, depending on the Carbomer grade and neutraliser
Batch Size: 100 g sample batch
Architecture / Delivery Notes
This formula is a 2% Carbomer stock gel. The Carbomer is dispersed into the heated water phase under low shear, Germall Plus is added during cool-down, and the preparation is neutralised to pH 5.5 using TEA, Sodium Hydroxide, or a 10% L-Arginine solution.
| Phase | Ingredient | % | 100g | Function | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Aqua Aqua | q.s. to 100 | q.s. to 100 g | Diluent | Main water phase. |
| B | Germall Plus Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate | 0.25 | 0.25 g | Preservative | Add when Phase A cools to 48°C. |
| B | Carbomer Carbomer | 2.00 | 2.00 g | Thickening agent | Mix at 300 rpm or low shear for 30 minutes. |
| C | TEA / Sodium Hydroxide / L-Arginine 10% Triethanolamine / Sodium Hydroxide / Arginine | q.s. | q.s. | Buffering agent | Use to adjust the final pH to 5.5. |
Formula note: This is a thickener and should be used in formulations that are lower than 200 g batch sizes. The formula and percentages shown follow the original source formula exactly.
Procedure
- Prepare the workspace. Weigh out all ingredients and clean all equipment with I.P.A. Dry with a clean tissue paper.
- Mix Phase A. Mix Phase A ingredients together.
- Heat Phase A. Heat Phase A to 70°C using a double boiler. Cover with cling film to prevent water evaporation.
- Add Carbomer. Add Carbomer to Phase A and mix at 300 rpm/low shear for 30 minutes.
- Add Germall Plus. When Phase A cools to 48°C, add Germall Plus. Cover with cling film again to avoid evaporation.
- Adjust the pH. Add Phase C ingredient(s) to adjust pH to 5.5.
- Store. Store the finished preparation in a cool, dry place.
Substitution Data
| Original Ingredient | Possible Substitute | Adjustment Note |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua Aqua | Deionised Water Aqua | Use clean purified water suitable for cosmetic production. |
| Carbomer Carbomer | Alternative Carbomer Grade Carbomer | Different Carbomer grades can produce different clarity, viscosity, hydration behaviour, and neutraliser demand. Follow the supplier instructions. |
| Triethanolamine Triethanolamine | Sodium Hydroxide Solution Sodium Hydroxide | Add gradually and monitor the pH carefully. The required amount will change. |
| Sodium Hydroxide Solution Sodium Hydroxide | L-Arginine 10% Solution Arginine | The final viscosity and pH adjustment behaviour may differ. |
| L-Arginine 10% Solution Arginine | Triethanolamine Triethanolamine | Add slowly and stop once the target pH and viscosity are reached. |
| Germall Plus Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate | Alternative Broad-Spectrum Preservative Supplier INCI Required | Confirm the dosage, pH range, temperature limit, and preservative efficacy before replacing it. |
Stability and QC Checks
Day 0 Checks
- Record the Carbomer grade, water quality, mixing speed, mixing time, neutraliser used, pH, appearance, and final batch weight.
- Check that the Carbomer is fully dispersed with no visible white clumps or dry particles.
- Confirm the final pH is 5.5.
- Check that the gel looks smooth and uniform.
Day 1 Checks
- Recheck the pH after the gel has settled for 24 hours.
- Check for trapped air, lumps, water separation, thinning, or uneven gel structure.
- Check whether the gel remains easy to scoop or dispense.
Day 7 Checks
- Check pH, viscosity, clarity, odour, colour, and gel structure.
- Watch for thinning, water release, sediment, or microbial warning signs.
- Run a small thickening trial inside a compatible formula.
Day 14 Checks
- Check for delayed pH drift, loss of viscosity, separation, or unusual odour.
- Compare the gel with the Day 0 retained sample.
Day 30 Checks
- Check final pH, viscosity, appearance, colour, odour, and packaging condition.
- Confirm there are no signs of gas, mould, bad odour, or visible contamination.
- Repeat a thickening trial to confirm the gel still performs as expected.
pH Check
The target pH is 5.5. Check the pH immediately after neutralisation, after 24 hours, and again before using the gel inside another cosmetic formula.
Appearance Check
- Expected appearance is a clear to translucent gel.
- Watch for white Carbomer clumps, cloudy patches, trapped air, water separation, or discolouration.
Texture Check
- Expected texture is a smooth, thick gel concentrate.
- If the gel remains thin, check the neutralisation level, Carbomer grade, pH, and mixing method.
- If the gel becomes stringy or uneven, check the addition rate and final pH.
Final Formula Compatibility Check
- Add the gel gradually to the intended finished formula.
- Check the pH again after addition.
- Watch for viscosity collapse in formulas containing high electrolytes, strong acids, or incompatible surfactants.
- Confirm the final preservative system still protects the complete product.
Packaging Compatibility
- Use an airtight wide-mouth PP or HDPE jar, squeeze bottle, or sealed laboratory container.
- Do not leave the container open during storage.
- Do not dip hands, wet tools, or used spatulas into the gel.
- Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Microbial Testing Note
This is a water-containing thickener stock. It requires good manufacturing hygiene, appropriate preservation, and microbial testing before commercial or repeated production use.