Reasons why ClearClean™ or ThickClean™ may not thicken

ClearClean™ and ThickClean™ are Acrylates Crosspolymer type gelling agents used to increase viscosity in shampoos, liquid soaps, or cleansing products. The lack of thickening may be due to these factors:

• Incorrect pH adjustment: These types of thickeners work best within a specific pH range. ClearClean™ and ThickClean™ work well in the pH range of 4-6. However, there are crucial pH adjustment steps:
  • For ClearClean™: The formula's pH must be adjusted to approximately 6.5-6.8 with an alkali (e.g., Triethanolamine) first, then add other ingredients, and finally adjust the final pH to be within the 4-6 range (pH 5.5 recommended) for a clear and viscous texture.
  • For ThickClean™: After mixing water and surfactant, add ThickClean™ and adjust the pH to neutral at 6.2-6.6. For clarity, the pH should be in the range of 6.3-6.6.
    
    If the pH is not within the suitable range or adjusted in the wrong step, thickening may not occur.
• Mixing order: Following the mixing steps recommended in the product details is important. ClearClean™ or ThickClean™ should be added at the correct stage as instructed.
• Mixing speed: Do not spin at speeds exceeding 2500 rpm, as this can damage the polymer structure and reduce its thickening efficiency.
• Concentration: Using too low a concentration may result in insufficient thickening. Use the ratio recommended in the product details.
• Other ingredients in the formula: Some ingredients in the formula may affect the performance of the gelling agent.

Recommendation:

Please double-check the mixing steps and pH adjustment of your formula to ensure they are correct according to the instructions for the ClearClean™ or ThickClean™ you are using, and verify that you are not spinning at too high a speed.