Guar Gum is a naturally derived, water-soluble polysaccharide obtained from the seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). It is widely used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations as a thickening agent, viscosity modifier, stabilizer and texture-enhancing ingredient.
Guar Gum hydrates in water and can increase the viscosity of aqueous formulations, helping formulators develop products with a smoother, richer and more controlled texture.
It is suitable for a wide variety of cosmetic applications, including shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, creams, lotions, gels, cleansers, body washes and other personal-care formulations.
Different grades of Guar Gum can have significantly different viscosity, particle size, hydration rate and purity. Therefore, the exact specifications should always be confirmed from the supplier’s TDS, COA and SDS.
INCI Name
Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum
Common Names
- Guar Gum
- Guaran
- Guar Flour
- Guar Seed Gum
- Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
- Natural Guar Gum
- Cosmetic Guar Gum
- Guar Thickener
Chemical Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Guar Gum |
| INCI Name | Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum |
| Botanical Source | Cyamopsis tetragonoloba |
| Ingredient Type | Natural-Origin Functional Ingredient |
| Functional Class | Thickener / Stabilizer / Rheology Modifier |
| Chemical Family | Galactomannan Polysaccharide |
| CAS Number | 9000-30-0 |
| Physical Form | White to cream/off-white powder |
| Odor | Characteristic, mild; grade dependent |
| Water Solubility | Hydrates and disperses in water |
| Main Functions | Thickening, Stabilizing & Texture Modification |
| Main Applications | Skin Care, Hair Care & Personal Care |
What is Guar Gum?
Guar Gum is a galactomannan polysaccharide obtained primarily from guar seeds. Its strong water-binding and thickening properties make it a valuable ingredient for controlling the rheology and texture of cosmetic formulations.
When dispersed and properly hydrated in water, Guar Gum can increase viscosity and provide a more structured feel to aqueous systems.
In personal care, it is particularly useful for improving the body, consistency, suspension and sensory characteristics of shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, gels and creams.
Key Benefits & Functions
1. Natural Thickener
Guar Gum is widely used to increase the viscosity of water-based cosmetic formulations.
2. Rheology Modifier
It helps control the flow behavior and texture of formulations, allowing formulators to develop products with the desired consistency.
3. Stabilizer
Guar Gum can help improve the physical stability of appropriately formulated cosmetic systems.
4. Texture Enhancement
It can contribute to a smooth, rich and pleasant formulation texture.
5. Water-Binding Properties
Guar Gum has strong water-binding characteristics, making it useful in hydration-focused and aqueous formulations.
6. Suspension Support
Depending on the formulation and grade, Guar Gum can help maintain the uniform distribution of selected dispersed ingredients.
7. Hair Conditioning Support
Guar Gum derivatives are especially well known in hair care for conditioning and detangling. Unmodified Guar Gum itself is primarily used as a rheology/viscosity ingredient, while cationic guar grades provide enhanced conditioning functionality.
8. Plant-Derived Ingredient
Guar Gum is derived from a botanical source, making it attractive for formulations seeking plant-derived functional ingredients.
Cosmetic Applications
Hair Care
- Shampoos
- Conditioning Shampoos
- Hair Conditioners
- Hair Masks
- Hair Creams
- Hair Gels
- Leave-In Hair Products
- Scalp-Care Formulations
- Hair Styling Products
Skin Care
- Face Creams
- Moisturizers
- Body Lotions
- Body Creams
- Facial Gels
- Hydrating Gels
- Face Masks
- Hand Creams
- Foot Care Products
Cleansing & Bath
- Face Wash
- Facial Cleansers
- Body Wash
- Shower Gel
- Liquid Soap
- Hand Wash
- Bath Products
Personal Care
- Shaving Products
- After-Sun Products
- Gel-Based Personal-Care Products
- Moisturizing Formulations
- Natural/Plant-Derived Cosmetic Formulations
Suitable Product Types
- Guar Gum Shampoo
- Thickening Shampoo
- Hair Conditioner
- Hair Mask
- Hair Cream
- Leave-In Conditioner
- Face Wash
- Facial Cleanser
- Body Wash
- Shower Gel
- Liquid Soap
- Face Cream
- Body Lotion
- Moisturizing Cream
- Cosmetic Gel
- Face Mask
- After-Sun Gel
- Personal-Care Products
Recommended Usage
The appropriate usage level depends on the grade, viscosity, formulation type and desired rheological properties.
General Cosmetic Starting Range
Approximately 0.1–2%
Lower concentrations may be sufficient for viscosity modification, while higher levels may be considered for specific texture and suspension requirements.
Always optimize the concentration through formulation trials and follow the supplier’s current TDS and recommended usage level.
How to Use Guar Gum
Guar Gum should be dispersed carefully to prevent lump formation.
General Formulation Procedure
- Accurately weigh the required quantity of Guar Gum.
- Pre-disperse the powder in a suitable portion of the formulation.
- Guar Gum can be pre-mixed with glycerin or another compatible ingredient to improve dispersion.
- Add the dispersed gum gradually to the water phase under continuous mixing.
- Allow sufficient time for complete hydration.
- Continue mixing until the formulation becomes uniform.
- Adjust pH and viscosity as required.
- Add remaining formulation ingredients according to the manufacturing process.
- Evaluate final viscosity, appearance and stability.
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