Guar Gum

Guar Gum 

Guar Gum is a plant-derived polysaccharide obtained from the endosperm of guar beans, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. Cosmetic-grade Guar Gum is produced through mechanical dehusking, milling, and purification of guar seeds to yield a fine powder rich in galactomannan polymers. This production process does not involve ethoxylation, sulfation, or petrochemical modification, supporting its use in clean and modern cosmetic formulations.

From a formulation standpoint, Guar Gum functions primarily as a natural thickener, stabilizer, and rheology modifier. It hydrates rapidly in water to increase viscosity and improve suspension stability in aqueous and emulsified systems. Guar Gum helps prevent ingredient separation, enhances texture, and contributes to a smooth, uniform product feel. Its performance is influenced by concentration, hydration method, shear, and the presence of salts or electrolytes.

In finished products, Guar Gum provides body and structure without heaviness. At low usage levels, it improves flow and stability, while higher levels create gel-like textures. It is commonly used in lotions, creams, gels, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, masks, and serums where viscosity control and formulation stability are required. Modified guar derivatives may be used in hair care to enhance conditioning and slip, while standard Guar Gum is valued for clean-label thickening.

From a clean standards and safety perspective, Guar Gum has a long history of use in food and cosmetics and is widely accepted across global regulatory frameworks. It is biodegradable, non-irritating, and suitable for both leave-on and rinse-off applications. Its plant-derived origin, minimal processing, and functional versatility support its inclusion in ingredient offerings carefully selected by Suncoast PCP for dependable cosmetic formulation performance.

Suncoast PCP carefully selects Guar Gum based on purity, hydration performance, and formulation versatility, ensuring reliable thickening and stabilization across skincare and haircare applications while aligning with clean and modern formulation standards.

Ingredient Identification

INCI Name: Guar Gum
CAS Number: 9000-30-0

Physical & Technical Properties

Appearance: Off-white to pale yellow powder
Odor: Odorless to very faint
Solubility: Dispersible and soluble in water; insoluble in oils
Hydration Behavior: Rapid viscosity build with proper dispersion
Functional Role: Thickener, stabilizer, rheology modifier

Typical Usage Levels (Cosmetic Applications)

Lotions and Creams: 0.1–0.5%
Gels and Serums: 0.1–1.0%
Cleansers and Wash-Off Products: 0.1–0.6%
Shampoos and Conditioners: 0.1–0.4%
Masks and Treatments: 0.2–1.0%

Actual usage levels vary depending on desired viscosity, formulation complexity, and hydration method.

DIY Education and Formulation Guidance

For DIY formulators, Guar Gum should be dispersed slowly into water with good agitation to prevent clumping. Pre-mixing with glycerin or another humectant can help improve dispersion. Adequate hydration time is important to allow full viscosity development before final adjustments.

Guar Gum performs best in low-to-moderate electrolyte systems. Compatibility testing is recommended when formulating with high salt levels or acidic actives.

Formulation Compatibility & Common Combinations

Guar Gum is compatible with most water-based cosmetic ingredients, including humectants, surfactants, botanical extracts, and preservatives. It is often combined with xanthan gum or cellulose gums to fine-tune texture, improve stability, and reduce stringiness. In hair care formulations, cationic guar derivatives are commonly used for enhanced conditioning.

Shelf Life, Storage, and Packaging

Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months under recommended storage conditions
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry environment away from moisture
Packaging Recommendations: Sealed bags, fiber drums, or airtight containers
Handling Notes: Protect from humidity; reseal tightly after use

Regulatory & Safety Notes

Regulatory Status: Approved for cosmetic use globally, including the United States and European Union
California Proposition 65: Not listed
EWG Context: Generally categorized as low hazard based on available data
Irritation and Sensitization: Non-irritating and well tolerated for topical cosmetic use
Clean Beauty Compatibility: Plant-derived, biodegradable, and compatible with clean, natural-leaning, and transparency-focused formulation standards