INCI Name Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride
CAS Number 65497-29-2
Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is a white or yellow powdered ingredient derived from guar beans. Commonly found in shampoos and hair care products, it functions as a conditioning and anti-static agent. In skincare formulations, it provides deep conditioning benefits. With the chemical formula C6H16NO2, this ingredient also serves as a gentler alternative to harsh silicones.
Origin
Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from guar beans. Although it originates from natural sources, it is considered synthetic due to its processing method. Once the guar beans are processed to extract a natural gum, it undergoes purification and filtration. This purified gum is then chemically modified using epoxides to produce Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.
Purpose
Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride plays a versatile role in cosmetic formulations. It acts as an antistatic agent, reducing static electricity in hair to prevent frizz and flyaways. As a hair conditioner, it enhances softness, smoothness, and manageability. In skincare, it provides deep conditioning, leaving the skin hydrated and soft. Additionally, it functions as a viscosity-controlling agent, helping to adjust the thickness of formulations for an ideal texture and application.
Cationic Nature & Enhanced Conditioning
Unlike natural guar gum, this derivative is positively charged, allowing it to strongly adhere to negatively charged surfaces like hair and skin. This property makes it an excellent conditioning agent, effectively reducing static, frizz, and tangling in hair products.
Superior Slip & Detangling
Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride forms a smooth, flexible film over hair strands, making detangling easier and improving combability for both wet and dry hair. It reduces breakage by minimizing mechanical damage during brushing or styling, making hair more manageable.
Moisture Retention & Hydration
Acting as a humectant, this ingredient helps hair and skin retain moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. It prevents dryness by forming a lightweight barrier that locks in hydration, ensuring long-lasting softness and smoothness.
Anti-Static & Frizz Control
By reducing electrostatic buildup, it helps prevent flyaways and improves overall hair manageability. This makes it ideal for leave-in conditioners, smoothing treatments, and anti-frizz formulations, keeping hair sleek and polished.
Water Solubility & Ease of Use
Unlike some conditioning agents that are difficult to dissolve, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is water-soluble, ensuring easy formulation. It disperses well in aqueous solutions, preventing clumping or gelation issues common with raw guar gum, making it highly versatile in cosmetic applications.
Non-Greasy, Lightweight Feel
Providing a soft, silky feel without making hair or skin greasy, it is an excellent alternative to silicones. It conditions without excessive buildup, making it ideal for frequent-use products, ensuring hair remains fresh and lightweight.
Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable
Derived from the natural guar bean, this ingredient serves as a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers like polyquaterniums. It is biodegradable and considered environmentally safe, making it a preferred choice in green and clean beauty formulations.
Mild & Non-Irritating
Being gentle on the skin and hair, this ingredient is ideal for sensitive formulations such as baby shampoos and sulfate-free products. It does not cause buildup or irritation, even with frequent use, ensuring a soothing and nourishing effect.
Improves Viscosity & Product Stability
Enhancing the thickness and feel of cosmetic products, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride contributes to a rich, creamy texture. It prevents phase separation, improving product shelf life and consistency, making it a valuable addition to high-performance hair and skincare formulations.
Applications of Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Hair Care Products
Widely used in shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride enhances softness, detangling, and manageability. It reduces static, controls frizz, and provides a smooth, silky finish without weighing down the hair. It is especially beneficial in sulfate-free and mild cleansing formulations.
Leave-In Conditioners & Hair Serums
Due to its excellent film-forming and moisture-retaining properties, it is commonly found in leave-in conditioners, hair serums, and smoothing treatments. It improves hair texture, enhances shine, and protects strands from environmental stressors like humidity and pollution.
Styling Products
Used in hair gels, mousses, and styling creams, this ingredient helps maintain a lightweight hold while keeping hair soft and flexible. It prevents flyaways and enhances styling performance without causing buildup or stiffness.
Skin Care Products
In facial cleansers, body washes, and moisturizers, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride acts as a conditioning and thickening agent. It enhances the feel of formulations, making them creamier and gentler on the skin while maintaining hydration.
Baby Care Formulations
Its mild and non-irritating nature makes it suitable for baby shampoos and body washes. It helps maintain softness and prevents dryness, making it ideal for delicate and sensitive skin.
Personal Hygiene Products
Commonly found in hand washes, liquid soaps, and shaving creams, it provides a luxurious, creamy lather while reducing skin dryness. It enhances foam stability and ensures a smooth after-feel.
Color Protection & Damage Repair Products
Included in color-safe and repairing hair treatments, it helps protect chemically treated and heat-damaged hair by locking in moisture and improving hair fiber strength. It also enhances the longevity of color treatments by maintaining hydration and reducing porosity.
Eco-Friendly & Green Beauty Formulations
Since it is biodegradable and derived from a natural source, it is frequently used in sustainable and plant-based cosmetic products, aligning with eco-conscious consumer preferences.
