Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar Gel Hydroxypropyl Trimethylchloride)

Technical Introduction

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a cationic derivative of guar gum, produced by the reaction of guar gum with hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride.

It is a water-soluble polymer with excellent conditioning, thickening, and film-forming properties. Because of its positive charge (cationic nature), it readily adheres to negatively charged surfaces such as hair, skin, and textile fibers, making it an important ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and industrial formulations.

• INCI Name: Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

• Chemical Class: Cationic polysaccharide (guar gum derivative)

• Appearance: Off-white to yellowish powder or granules

• Solubility: Soluble in water; forms clear to slightly hazy viscous solutions

• Charge: Cationic (quaternary ammonium group)

Applications

1. Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Shampoos & Conditioners → Provides hair conditioning, detangling, and improved wet combing.

• Body washes & Facial cleansers → Improves skin feel, softness, and reduces irritation from surfactants.

• Styling products → Enhances film formation and long-lasting hold.

• Skin lotions & creams → Enhances moisturization and glide.

2. Industrial Applications

• Textile industry → Acts as an anti-static and conditioning agent.

• Paper manufacturing → Improves softness and surface strength.

• Oilfield drilling fluids → Functions as a rheology modifier.

• Household cleaners → Boosts viscosity and provides fabric conditioning.

✅ Advantages

• Excellent conditioning agent → Improves softness and smoothness of hair and skin.

• Compatibility with anionic and amphoteric surfactants.

• Viscosity builder and rheology modifier in aqueous systems.

• Film-forming ability → Protects skin and hair.

• Improves product stability in formulations.

• Biodegradable and derived from a natural source (guar gum).

⚙️ Technical Specifications (Typical Cosmetic Grade)

⚠️ Safety & Regulatory Notes

• Safe for cosmetic use within recommended concentrations (0.1–1%).

• Low toxicity and generally non-irritating.

• Biodegradable → Eco-friendly compared to synthetic polymers.

• Approved for use in EU, USA (FDA cosmetic ingredient), and Asia-Pacific markets.

❓ FAQ

Q1: How is Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride different from natural guar gum?
Unlike natural guar gum, it is cationically modified, providing conditioning and anti-static properties.

Q2: Can it be used in sulfate-free shampoos?
Yes, it is compatible with sulfate-free and mild surfactant systems.

Q3: What is the ideal dosage in shampoos?
Typically 0.2–0.5% is enough for conditioning without over-thickening.

Q4: Does it make hair greasy?
No, it deposits a thin film that improves manageability without oiliness.

Q5: Is it safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, it is considered safe and reduces surfactant irritation, making it useful in mild cleansers.