Enabling low pH, high clarity cleansers with food grade preservative claims.
Due to the increasingly negative perception of paraben and formaldehyde donor type preservatives, the personal care market is shifting toward the use of food grade preservatives like Sodium Benzoate. These natural preservatives require a pH level near 5.0, which sacrifices desired formulation clarity and flow properties when using currently available rheology modifiers. Carbopol® Aqua SF-2 polymer responds to this market trend by offering rheology modification that delivers high clarity and superior suspension in the 4 to 6 pH range. Now formulators can display colorful beads, sparkling pearls, and exfoliating scrubs while also achieving claims of “paraben-free,” “formaldehyde-free,” “preservative-free,” and even “skin neutral pH”.
Key Formulation Benefits
Elegant rheology with smooth, honey-like flow
Very clear surfactant formulations at pH 4 to 6
Ideal for use with food grade preservatives such as Sodium Benzoate and Sorbic Acid
High suspension and stabilization of insoluble ingredients, including silicone, oils, emollients
pH flexibility with “Back-Acid” formulating technique
Broad surfactant compatibility
Synergistic thickening with salt
Enhances pearlescent appearance
Stabilizes high oil-loaded body wash emulsions
Compatible with low levels of cationic conditioning ingredients
Easy-to-use liquid form; cold process
Broad Applications Fit
Clear bath gels, shampoos and cleansers
Pearlescent body washes and shampoos
Body scrubs with suspended microcapsules
Facial scrubs with exfoliating beads
Anti-acne facial cleansers with salicylic acid
Conditioning shampoos