How to Make a Gel Using Carbomer 940

Carbomer 940 is classed as a gelling agent and forms clear gels. Its normal use rate is from .25 to 1 % , but you must experiment to find the correct amount to create the perfect gel for your application. Carbomer is a water and alcohol soluble polymer. It is a mildly
acidic and forms a loose network when partially neutralized to pH 5-8. Any base may be used to neutralize, but triethanolamine
leads to clear gels, where other bases lead to haziness.

Carbomer requires a long time to swell properly for use. It is best to make a pre-gel before beginning the batch at hand. This recipe will provide enough pre-gel for 100 to 400 oz. of product, depending upon the stiffness of the gel that is required.

How to Make Carbomer Pre-Gel

Carbomer 940 Distilled water Methylparaben	1.0 oz. 25 fluid oz. 1/4 teaspoon

Warm water to approximately 120F and add 1/4 teaspoon methylparaben. Stir well.

Weigh the carbomer into a 32 oz. wide mouth jar. Add the water and mix regularly as the carbomer hydrates. It is not unusual to see carbomer particles floating atop the water until it is completely dissolved. You should have a thick, uniform product at the end.