
FLOCARE SK 403
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer – Cosmetic Thickener & Rheology Modifier
FLOCARE™ SK 403 by SNF is a high-performance cosmetic thickener and rheology modifier based on Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer.
This crosslinked polymer is supplied as a white powder and is designed to provide effective thickening, texture enhancement, and stabilization in skincare and facial cleansing formulations.
FLOCARE SK 403 is particularly suitable for clear aqueous gels, creams, lotions, and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, offering high viscosity and excellent clarity at low polymer concentrations.
Its easy dispersion, cold-process compatibility, and pleasant sensory properties make it a versatile ingredient for modern cosmetic formulations.


FLOCARE SK 403 BY SNF – COSMETIC THICKENER AND RHEOLOGY MODIFIER
FLOCARE™ SK 403, manufactured by SNF, is a multifunctional cosmetic polymer designed for thickening, texturizing, and stabilizing skincare and facial cleansing formulations.
Its INCI name is Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer.
As a crosslinked polymer supplied in powder form, FLOCARE SK 403 enables formulators to develop a wide range of textures, from lightweight lotions and creams to high-viscosity transparent gels.
One of its principal advantages is the ability to achieve high viscosity and excellent formulation clarity at relatively low polymer concentrations.
The polymer is also suitable for cold-process manufacturing, helping simplify the development of cosmetic formulations.


FLOCARE SK 403 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: SNF
Product Name: FLOCARE™ SK 403
INCI Name: Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
CAS Number: 335383-60-3
Product Type: Cosmetic Thickener / Rheology Modifier
Chemical Class: Crosslinked Polymer
Physical Form: Powder
Appearance: White
Total Solid Content: 92–100%
Brookfield Viscosity (1% Solution, 20 rpm): 48,000–65,000 cP
pH (1% Solution): 4–6
Gel Clarity (1% Solution, 420 nm): >90%
Recommended Usage Concentration: 0.3–2%
Electrolyte Resistance: Not recommended for electrolyte-rich systems
Shelf Life: 24 Months
Packaging: 10 kg Bags
Technical values are based on SNF product documentation. Actual formulation performance may vary depending on ingredients, processing conditions, and polymer concentration.

FLOCARE SK 403 – KEY BENEFITS
1. HIGH-EFFICIENCY THICKENING AND VISCOSITY CONTROL
FLOCARE SK 403 Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer provides effective viscosity development in aqueous cosmetic systems. Its rheological properties allow manufacturers to adjust product consistency according to polymer concentration and formulation requirements.
The recommended usage concentration is 0.3–2%.
This makes FLOCARE SK 403 suitable for developing products ranging from lightweight cosmetic textures to thicker gels and creams.
2. HIGH-CLARITY COSMETIC FORMULATIONS
FLOCARE SK 403 is particularly recommended for applications requiring both transparency and high viscosity.
According to SNF technical data, a 1% polymer preparation demonstrates greater than 90% clarity at 420 nm.
This makes it especially relevant for transparent skincare gels and facial cleansing formulations where visual appearance is an important product characteristic.
3. COLD-PROCESS COMPATIBILITY
FLOCARE SK 403 is a pre-neutralized polymer suitable for cold-process formulation development.
Its powder form is designed for easy dispersion and viscosity development without requiring a separate polymer neutralization step.
Cold processing can help simplify manufacturing and reduce the need for heating in suitable formulations.
4. EMULSION STABILIZATION
In addition to thickening, FLOCARE SK 403 Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer provides stabilization properties in cosmetic emulsions.
Typical applications include:
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Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions
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Cosmetic milks and lotions
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Cream gels
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Emulsifier-free cream-gel systems
Its viscosity-building properties help formulators control texture and support the physical stability of compatible formulations.
Final emulsion stability should be verified through formulation testing.
5. SMOOTH TEXTURE AND PLEASANT SKIN FEEL
FLOCARE SK 403 contributes to the development of cosmetic products with desirable sensory characteristics.
In suitable formulations, it can help provide:
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Smooth and pleasant application
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Soft skin feel
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Non-sticky afterfeel
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Improved cosmetic texture
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Comfortable spreading properties
These characteristics make the polymer particularly useful in daily skincare products, moisturizing creams, and refreshing gels.
6. PERFORMANCE IN LOW-pH FORMULATIONS
SNF technical evaluations demonstrate that FLOCARE SK 403 can maintain substantial viscosity under acidic formulation conditions.
This property is relevant for formulators developing selected skincare products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).
SNF has evaluated the polymer in formulations containing lactic acid, glycolic acid, and gluconolactone.
However, compatibility and finished-product stability should always be verified for the intended formulation.
REFRESHING AND COOLING AFTER SUN GEL (SK 027)

FLOCARE SK 403 – COSMETIC APPLICATIONS
CLEAR AQUEOUS GELS
FLOCARE SK 403 is particularly suitable for developing transparent aqueous gels with controlled viscosity and desirable sensory properties.
Its combination of high clarity and thickening performance makes it useful for skincare applications where appearance and texture are important.
SKINCARE CREAMS AND LOTIONS
The polymer can be incorporated into skincare emulsions to adjust viscosity and improve texture.
Typical applications include:
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Moisturizing creams
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Daily skincare lotions
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Cosmetic milks
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Lightweight skincare emulsions
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Cream-gel formulations
FACIAL CLEANSING FORMULATIONS
FLOCARE SK 403 can also be evaluated in facial cleansing products requiring viscosity adjustment and formulation stabilization.
Compatibility should be assessed according to the surfactant system and other ingredients used.
AFTER-SUN GELS
SNF has developed a refreshing and cooling after-sun gel formulation using FLOCARE SK 403.
In this example, the polymer contributes to the formation of a transparent gel with a refreshing, non-greasy, and non-sticky sensory profile.
The formulation demonstrates the suitability of FLOCARE SK 403 for cosmetic gels requiring both transparency and pleasant application characteristics.
FLOCARE SK 403 – FORMULATION GUIDELINES
RECOMMENDED USAGE CONCENTRATION
0.3–2% | The appropriate dosage depends on the target viscosity, desired texture, and composition of the finished formulation.
PROCESSING CONSIDERATIONS
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Suitable for cold-process formulation development
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Supplied as an easy-to-disperse powder
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Pre-neutralized polymer
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Provides viscosity development in aqueous systems
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Suitable for clear gels and compatible cosmetic emulsions
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Final viscosity and stability should be confirmed through formulation testing
ELECTROLYTE COMPATIBILITY
FLOCARE SK 403 is primarily positioned for applications requiring high viscosity and clarity.
For formulations containing substantial electrolyte concentrations, compatibility should be evaluated carefully because electrolyte resistance is not one of the product's principal characteristics.
FLOCARE SK 403 – SNF FORMULATION EXAMPLE
REFRESHING AND COOLING AFTER-SUN GEL (SK 027)
SNF has developed a reference after-sun gel formulation demonstrating the performance of FLOCARE SK 403 in a transparent cosmetic gel.
The example formulation contains 1% FLOCARE SK 403 and demonstrates the following finished-formulation characteristics:
Appearance: Clear Blue Gel
pH: 5.5–6.0
Viscosity: 22,000–27,000 cP
Transmittance (420 nm): >90%
Stability: Passed 3 months at room temperature and 40°C, and 1 month at 50°C.
These results refer specifically to SNF's SK 027 reference formulation and should not be interpreted as the standalone technical specifications of FLOCARE SK 403.
The formulation illustrates the polymer's potential for developing transparent, refreshing skincare gels with a non-greasy and non-sticky afterfeel.
FLOCARE SK 403 – TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE
Store FLOCARE SK 403 in its original packaging in a dry, suitable storage environment.
Protect the powder from unnecessary moisture exposure and keep containers securely closed when not in use.
Shelf Life: 24 Months
Follow the manufacturer's current Safety Data Sheet for detailed handling and storage instructions.
FLOCARE SK 403 BY SNF – SUPPLIER ACTA CHEMICALS
ACTA Chemicals supplies FLOCARE™ SK 403 by SNF, an Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer-based cosmetic thickener and rheology modifier.
Manufactured by SNF, FLOCARE SK 403 is suitable for manufacturers developing transparent cosmetic gels, skincare creams, lotions, and compatible oil-in-water emulsions.
For companies sourcing FLOCARE SK 403, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, or cosmetic rheology modifiers, ACTA Chemicals provides B2B raw material supply, product information, and technical documentation.
For FLOCARE SK 403 pricing, bulk orders, technical specifications, or product inquiries, please complete the contact form below.
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