Function of Triethanolamine and pH in Carbomer Gel Formulation

Hello,

Based on the information provided by the staff, here is a summary:

Triethanolamine (TEA) primarily functions to neutralize Carbomer, allowing it to fully swell and create a gel texture efficiently. This step is necessary to achieve the desired viscosity.

The final pH of the product is important for the stability of the gel once it is formed. If the final pH is outside the stable range for Carbomer, the gel may lose viscosity and become liquid.

Therefore:

• A final product pH above 5 does not mean TEA is not needed. TEA is still necessary to neutralize Carbomer so it can fully activate and create the gel.
• If the pH of the water phase before adding other ingredients is low and Carbomer is used, a neutralizer like TEA is needed to raise the pH to a level where Carbomer can swell and form a gel. This is true even if the final pH after mixing all ingredients ends up being above 5. Adding TEA is the step to activate Carbomer to form the gel, while the final pH is for maintaining the stability of that gel.

In summary, TEA is used to activate Carbomer to form a gel, and the final pH is used to maintain the stability of the gel.

Hope this information is helpful.