Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
AKA “Guar gum quaternary ammonium derivative, guar gum cationic polymer
Skin Conditioning
Ingredient Facts
Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride
AKA: Guar gum quaternary ammonium derivative, Guar gum cationic polymer
Skin Conditioning · Film Forming · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Guar gum, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether, chloride
CAS #
65497-29-2
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Antistatic
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a chemically modified derivative of guar gum to function as a cationic conditioner and thickener in cosmetics and hair care products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR