Cationic Guar Gum: Natural Thickener and Conditioner
Cationic Guar Gum is a plant-based, water-soluble polymer created by modifying guar gum to carry a positive charge. It is gentle and non-gelling, leaving hair and skin with a smooth, conditioned feel. Many makers use it in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers because it adds slip, softness, and mildness. It also helps support foam and makes surfactant systems less irritating on the skin.
Technical Specs
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Cationic Guar Gum |
| INCI Name | Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride |
| CAS Number | 65497-29-2 |
| Appearance & Properties |
Beige to tan granular powder |
| Fully soluble in water | |
| Performs best below pH 7 | |
| Non-gelling and disperses well in water |
Key Features
• Adds slip and softness to hair and skin
• Provides mild thickening without gelling
• Helps reduce irritation in cleansing formulas
• Boosts foam for a richer wash experience
• Plant-based alternative to synthetic conditioning agents
Suggested Uses
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Body washes and shower gels
• Facial cleansers
• Creams and lotions
Recommended Usage
• Use between 0.2% and 2%
• Typical use rate: 0.2% to 0.4%
Formulation Tips
• Disperse into room-temperature distilled water and mix for 15–30 minutes
• Adjust pH below 7 with citric acid or similar to activate thickening
• Can be added to the heated water phase of your formula
Storage
• Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat
• Shelf life: up to 24 months if stored properly
Safety Note
For external use only. Not for ingestion. Always test your final product for stability and compatibility.
