Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

CAS Number:

65497-29-2 (primary)

Chemical / INCI Name:

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Molecular Formula:

C6H16NO2.xCl.xUnspecified (polymer)

EC Number:

613-809-4

Other Names:

Cationic Guar Gum, GHPTC, GHTC, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Jaguar® C series

Uses:

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a cationic (positively charged) polymer derived from natural guar gum. It is widely used in personal care products as a conditioning and anti-static agent, providing a silky, smooth feel without weighing hair or skin down .

· Hair Care: The primary use is in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products where it provides excellent wet and dry combing, reduces static and frizz, adds shine, and improves manageability. It is particularly effective in protecting and recovering damaged hair .

· Skin Care: Used in body washes, facial cleansers, liquid soaps, and creams to provide a smooth, silky after-feel, increase viscosity, and condition the skin .

· Silicone Alternative: Often used as a natural alternative to harsh silicones in "silicone-free" formulations .

· Baby Care: Gentle enough for use in infant shampoos and body washes .

Origin

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is a plant-based, semi-synthetic polymer. It is derived from natural guar gum (obtained from guar beans) through a chemical modification process:

· Extraction: Guar gum is extracted from guar beans .

· Purification: The natural gum is purified and filtered .

· Chemical Modification: The purified guar gum is reacted with epoxides and quaternizing agents (such as trimethylamine) to introduce cationic (positively charged) groups .

· Result: This process creates a water-soluble, cationic polymer that retains the natural benefits of guar gum while adding conditioning properties .

What does Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride do in a formulation?

• Hair Conditioning Agent: Provides slip, detangling, and softness .
• Antistatic Agent: Reduces static electricity and frizz by neutralizing negative charges on hair .
• Skin Conditioning Agent: Leaves skin feeling smooth and silky .
• Viscosity Modifier / Thickener: Increases the thickness of formulations and helps stabilize emulsions .
• Film Former: Forms a "free-breathing" protective film on hair and skin, providing moisturization and protection .
• Suspending Agent: Helps keep insoluble ingredients suspended in formulations .

Safety Profile:

· General Hazard Classification: Considered safe for use in cosmetics with low toxicity and irritation potential .

· Concentration Limits: Typically used at 0.2 - 1.5% in cosmetic formulations .

  · Safe at concentrations up to 0.05% in leave-on products with minimal risk .

  · Concentrations above 1% may cause irritation in sensitive individuals .

· Irritation & Sensitization: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical use concentrations. A patch test is recommended for highly sensitive skin .

· Biodegradability: Biodegradable and environmentally friendly .

· Compatibility: Compatible with anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants, making it versatile in various formulations .

· Toxicity: Low acute toxicity. LD50 (oral, rat) > 1.25 g/kg .

· Regulatory Status: Approved for use in cosmetics worldwide. Compliant with COSMOS, Halal, and various clean beauty standards .

Technical profile: