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Illustration of Carbopol Aqua SF-1 milky white liquid in a glass beaker

Carbopol® Aqua SF-1 – Acrylates Copolymer

£5.00 - £355.00
£5.00
£5.00 - £355.00
£5.00

INCI Name: Acrylates Copolymer

Description

Carbopol® Aqua SF-1 is a liquid acrylic rheology modifier for surfactant-based cleansers. It thickens, suspends and stabilises, gives excellent clarity at neutral pH, and enhances pearl effects.

Key Properties

  • Easy-to-use liquid
  • Thickens and suspends
  • Clear formulations
  • Synergistic thickening with salt
  • Enhances pearlisation

Applications

  • Clear shampoos and bath gels
  • Pearlescent and 2-in-1 shampoos
  • Anti-dandruff shampoos
  • Body washes and facial cleansers
  • Scrubs with suspended particles

How to Use

  • Add to the water phase before the surfactants
  • Thickens on neutralisation – for low-pH products, use the supplier's back-acid method

Browse more rheology modifiers.

Technical Details

Description

  • Milky, White Polymeric Dispersion in Water
  • Contains 30% Active Polymer
  • Low Characteristic Odor (Mild Acrylic)
  • INCI Designation: Acrylates Copolymer

Storage and Handling

  • Storage Temperature: 40-85 °F (5-30 °C)
  • DO NOT FREEZE

* Further documentation available with purchase

Formulation Guide

Usage

  • The minimum recommended use level of Carbopol® Aqua SF-1 polymer in surfactant-based products is 5.0% as supplied (1.5% active).
  • Carbopol Aqua SF-1 polymer is most efficient when formulated with typical active levels of surfactants used in cleansing applications.
  • For maximum efficiency, 15 - 23% active surfactants are recommended.

Order of Addition

  • To ensure maximum benefit and efficiency from the polymer, we recommend that you follow this order of addition:
  • Add Carbopol Aqua SF-1 polymer to the (deionized) water of the formulation.
  • Add primary surfactants. (Example: lauryl sulfates / lauryl ether sulfates.)
  • Neutralize to a minimum pH of 6.5.
  • Add remaining (speciality) surfactants. (Example: amphoterics.)
  • Add conditioning and ancillary ingredients. (Example: silicones, cationic, EDTA.)
  • If desired, add pearlizing ingredients. (Example: mica, EGDS, EGMS.)
  • Add fragrance, dyes and preservatives.
  • If desired, decrease pH. (This will increase efficiency; citric acid is suggested.)
  • If desired, add sodium chloride to further increase viscosity.

Remember

  • Clear systems are easily formulated at ~ pH 6.5 - 6.8.
  • Carbopol Aqua SF-1 polymer works with salt. Low levels of sodium chloride (~0.5%) increase viscosity when the polymer is formulated with surfactants. Salt may decrease clarity.
  • Carbopol Aqua SF-1 polymer is compatible with a variety of cationic conditioning polymers in anionic/ amphoteric surfactant systems.
  • The thickening and stabilizing power of Carbopol Aqua SF-1 polymer can be maximized by “Back-Acid” thickening (adding citric or other acid to a neutralized system), resulting in a final product down to pH 3.8.
  • Carbopol Aqua SF-1 polymer has a remarkable ability to enhance the appearance and visual stability of pearlizing ingredients, especially mica, in surfactant systems.
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