Sepiplus 400

SEPIPLUS™ 400

INCI Name

Polyacrylate-13 (and) Polyisobutene (and) Polysorbate 20

Product Description

SEPIPLUS™ 400 is a concentrated, pre-neutralized liquid rheology modifier manufactured. It functions as a thickener, formulation stabilizer and texture-enhancing agent in cosmetic and personal-care products.

It produces smooth, glossy formulations with an elegant, slippery, silicone-like glide. The improved slip and spreadability can help formulators reduce the amount of silicone required to achieve a silky sensory profile.

Main Functions

• Thickening agent
• Rheology modifier
• Emulsion stabilizer
• Texture enhancer
• Suspension-supporting agent
• Spreadability enhancer
• Silicone-like sensory modifier

SEPIPLUS™ 400 can create textures ranging from sprayable fluids to thick gels and creams.

Key Benefits

• Supplied as a ready-to-use liquid
• Pre-neutralized and does not require separate neutralization
• Suitable for cold-process manufacturing
• Provides smooth, shiny and soft textures
• Improves product pickup and spreadability
• Produces an elegant, silicone-like skin feel
• Demonstrates good resistance to electrolytes
• Compatible with many solvents, pigments and sunscreen filters
• Suitable for acidic and alkaline formulations within its recommended pH range

Recommended Usage Rate

A practical starting level is:

0.5–2%

Higher or lower levels may be used depending on the desired viscosity, oil-phase content, electrolyte level and formulation type.

• 0.3–0.5%: Light stabilization and viscosity enhancement
• 0.5–1%: Serums, fluid lotions and lightweight gel creams
• 1–2%: Medium-viscosity gels, creams and emulsions
• 2–3%: Thicker gels or formulations requiring stronger stabilization

The final concentration should be confirmed through viscosity, compatibility and stability testing. Consult the current supplier technical data sheet for the official recommended level for the intended application.

Recommended pH Range

pH 3–11

SEPIPLUS™ 400 remains functional across this broad pH range and has good resistance to electrolytes.

Solubility and Dispersibility

SEPIPLUS™ 400 is supplied as a concentrated liquid polymer dispersion. It should be considered dispersible rather than conventionally water-soluble.

It is produced through inverse-emulsion polymerization and is designed for straightforward incorporation into cosmetic formulations.

How to Use

1. Add SEPIPLUS™ 400 gradually while mixing.
2. Maintain moderate, uniform agitation to distribute the polymer completely.
3. Continue mixing until a smooth and homogeneous texture develops.
4. Add sensitive ingredients, fragrance and preservative according to their recommended processing requirements.
5. Check and adjust the final pH.
6. Allow the formulation to settle before measuring its final viscosity.

SEPIPLUS™ 400 is pre-neutralized, so no additional neutralizing agent is normally required. The most suitable addition phase and mixing sequence will depend on the complete formulation.

Avoid excessive aeration during mixing, as trapped air can affect the product’s appearance and viscosity readings.

Compatibility

SEPIPLUS™ 400 is compatible with many:

• Cosmetic oils and emollients
• Organic and mineral sunscreen filters
• Coated sunscreen powders
• Pigments
• Solvents
• Humectants
• Electrolyte-containing ingredients
• Water-soluble cosmetic actives

Seppic specifically identifies compatibility with sunscreen filters and coatings including alumina, silica, silicone and aluminium hydroxide.

Applications

Suitable for:

• Facial serums
• Gel creams
• Face creams
• Body lotions
• Body creams
• Sunscreen products
• After-sun products
• Foundations
• Tinted creams
• Makeup products
• Fluid gels
• Thick cosmetic gels

The manufacturer lists face care, body care, makeup and sun care among its principal application areas.

Important Formulation Notes

SEPIPLUS™ 400 can support emulsion stability, but it should not automatically be treated as the sole primary emulsifier in formulations containing a substantial oil phase. A suitable emulsifier may still be required.

The manufacturer describes the raw material as preservative-free. This does not mean it is a preservative. Finished formulations containing water still require an appropriate broad-spectrum preservative and microbial testing.

Storage

Store in the original tightly closed container in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Prevent contamination by using clean, dry equipment. Follow the storage conditions and shelf life stated on the supplier’s current certificate of analysis, technical data sheet and safety data sheet.