Hydroxypropyl Guar
AKA “HPG, Guar gum hydroxypropyl derivative
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Hydroxypropyl guar
AKA: HPG, Guar gum hydroxypropyl derivative
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Cleanser
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Clean
Guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether, depolymd.
CAS #
68442-94-4, 39421-75-5
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Antistatic
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Viscosity Controlling
Moisturizing
Improves Elasticity
Traditional Use
Derived from guar gum, a legume plant used in traditional Indian cuisine for centuries. The hydroxypropyl derivative was chemically modified in the 20th century to improve stability and thickening properties in cosmetic formulations.
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
C18-22 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxypropyl Guar
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Carboxymethyl Hydroxypropyl Guar
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydroxypropyl Guar
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C18-22 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxypropyl Guar
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hydroxypropyl Guar
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Stretching properties of xanthan and hydroxypropyl guar in aqueous solutions and in cosmetic emulsions.
Jamshidian M, Savary G, Grisel M, Picard C
Carbohydrate polymers, 2014
Stretching properties of xanthan and hydroxypropyl guar in aqueous solutions and in cosmetic emulsions.
Jamshidian M, Savary G, Grisel M, Picard C
Carbohydrate polymers, 2014
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR