Cationic Guar Gum: Natural Thickener and Conditioner
Cationic Guar Gum is a plant based, water soluble polymer made by modifying guar gum to carry a positive charge. This gentle, non gelling thickener improves the feel of hair and skin by forming a light conditioning film. It is commonly used in shampoos, body washes, and cleansers to add slip, softness, and mildness. It also helps support foam and reduces irritation in surfactant based systems.
Key Benefits
• Adds slip and softness to hair and skin
• Works as a non gelling thickener
• Helps reduce irritation in cleansing products
• Boosts foam and improves product feel
• Plant based alternative to synthetic conditioning agents
Ingredients and INCI
Common Name: Cationic Guar Gum
INCI Name: Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
CAS Number: 65497 29 2
Appearance and Properties
Beige to tan granular powder
Soluble in water
Best performance below pH 7
Non gelling and disperses well in water
Suggested Uses
Shampoos
Conditioners
Body washes
Facial cleansers
Creams and lotions
Shower gels
Recommended Usage Levels
Use between 0.2 percent and 2 percent
Typical use rate is 0.2 to 0.4 percent
Formulation Tips
Disperse into room temperature distilled water and mix well for 15 to 30 minutes
Adjust the final pH below 7 using citric acid or similar to activate thickening
Add to the heated water phase of your formulation
Storage and Safety
Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct heat
Shelf life is up to 24 months if stored properly
Important Note
For external use only. Not intended for ingestion. Always test your final formulation for compatibility and stability
