Using Sodium Hydroxide with Carbomer and Calculation

Asked by: i8i0i8i On: September 15, 2015 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

Question

I want to use Sodium Hydroxide instead of Triethanolamine to neutralize Carbomer for gel formation, as Triethanolamine has an odor. I have some questions:

  • Is it true that 100 CC = 100 ml = 100 grams for water?
  • What is the concentration of Sodium Hydroxide sold on the website?
  • What is the safe usage rate for Sodium Hydroxide? I read it's 0.1% to 5%, is this correct?
  • How do I calculate the amount of Sodium Hydroxide needed to make a 2.5% solution relative to 500g of water? For example, if using 100% Sodium Hydroxide and if using a hypothetical 80% Sodium Hydroxide?

Answer

Using Sodium Hydroxide with Carbomer

Thank you for your question regarding the use of Sodium Hydroxide with Carbomer as an alternative to Triethanolamine.

Regarding your specific questions:

  1. Unit Conversion for Water: Your understanding that 100 CC = 100 ml = 100 grams for water is correct.
  2. Sodium Hydroxide Concentration: The Sodium Hydroxide sold on the website is 100% concentration.
  3. Sodium Hydroxide Usage Rate: The information you found is correct; Sodium Hydroxide can be used from 0.1% to 5%, and exceeding 5% is dangerous.
  4. Calculation for Diluted Sodium Hydroxide: Your calculations for preparing a 2.5% solution (relative to 500g of water) are correct:
    • Using 100% Sodium Hydroxide: 12.5 grams of Sodium Hydroxide mixed with 500 grams of water.
    • Using a hypothetical 80% Sodium Hydroxide: 15.62 grams of 80% Sodium Hydroxide mixed with 500 grams of water.

Sodium Hydroxide is indeed a suitable alkali for neutralizing Carbomer to form a gel, and it is listed as an alternative to Triethanolamine in the product description for Carbomer 940. Using Sodium Hydroxide may help avoid the odor you experienced with Triethanolamine.

Tags

Gel Gel Formation Ingredient Alternatives Odor pH Adjustment