Guar Gum 100 g

Plant-Derived Thickener, Stabilizer & Rheology Modifier

Guar Gum is a plant-derived polysaccharide widely used as a thickener, stabilizer and rheology modifier in cosmetic, personal-care and selected cleaning formulations.

It hydrates in water and forms a viscous system that can help improve:

• Viscosity
• Product consistency
• Suspension
• Texture
• Application properties
• Physical stability

Guar Gum is particularly useful in water-based formulations such as:

• Shampoos
• Liquid cleansers
• Shower gels
• Liquid soaps
• Creams
• Lotions
• Masks
• Gels
• Selected household cleaning products

What Is Guar Gum?

Guar Gum is obtained from the seeds of the guar plant, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba.

It is primarily composed of a natural polysaccharide known as galactomannan.

INCI Name: Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum
Common Name: Guar Gum
Form: Fine Powder
Primary Functions: Thickener / Stabilizer / Rheology Modifier

How Does Guar Gum Work?

When properly dispersed into water, Guar Gum begins to hydrate and increase viscosity.

This can help transform a thin water-based formulation into a thicker and more structured product.

It can also help reduce settling of dispersed ingredients in some formulations.

Main Functions

Guar Gum can be used as a:

• Thickener
• Viscosity modifier
• Suspension aid
• Stabilizer
• Texture modifier
• Film-forming polysaccharide
• Formulation aid

Its exact performance depends on concentration and the rest of the formula.

Use in Shampoos

Guar Gum can be used to increase the viscosity of compatible shampoo formulations.

It may help create:

• Thicker texture
• Improved product body
• Better suspension
• Smoother application

However, compatibility must be evaluated with the surfactant system.

Guar Gum vs. Cationic Guar

Standard Guar Gum should not be confused with:

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

which is a chemically modified, cationic guar widely used for hair conditioning.

Standard Guar Gum primarily contributes:

• Thickening
• Rheology
• Stabilization

while cationic guar can provide more pronounced conditioning and deposition effects.

Use in Liquid Soap & Cleansing Products

Guar Gum may be used in suitable:

• Liquid hand cleansers
• Shower gels
• Facial cleansers
• Liquid soap systems
• Mild detergent formulations

to help increase viscosity.

However, not every surfactant system responds equally well to Guar Gum.

Salt level, surfactant type, pH and electrolytes can significantly affect final viscosity.

Use in Creams & Lotions

Guar Gum may be incorporated into the water phase of emulsions.

It can support:

• Viscosity
• Emulsion structure
• Suspension
• Sensory consistency

It is generally used as a supporting stabilizer rather than as the only emulsifier.

Guar Gum does not replace an emulsifier in an oil-and-water cream formulation.

Use in Gels & Masks

Guar Gum can be used in:

• Gel masks
• Botanical masks
• Wash-off products
• Body gels
• Cleansing gels

to create a thicker, more spreadable consistency.

Typical Usage Levels

General formulation starting ranges may include:

Shampoos & Liquid Cleansers

0.1–1%

Creams & Lotions

0.1–0.5%

Gels & Masks

0.2–1%

Household or Cleaning Formulations

Approximately 0.1–1%

depending on the desired viscosity.

Higher levels can produce:

• Excessively thick texture
• Stringiness
• Poor spreadability
• Difficult processing

Always begin with a low concentration.

How to Use Guar Gum

One of the most common problems with Guar Gum is lumping.

If the powder is poured directly into water too quickly, the outer surface may hydrate immediately and form lumps with dry powder trapped inside.

Recommended Dispersion Method

A practical method is:

1. Accurately weigh the required Guar Gum.
2. Pre-disperse it in a suitable medium such as glycerin where appropriate.
3. Add the pre-dispersion slowly to the water phase while mixing.
4. Continue stirring until the Guar Gum hydrates.
5. Allow sufficient hydration time.
6. Add other formulation ingredients according to the process.

The exact processing method may vary according to the formulation.

Pre-Dispersion in Glycerin

Guar Gum can often be pre-wetted with glycerin before being added to water.

This can help:

• Reduce clumping
• Improve dispersion
• Produce more uniform hydration

The glycerin quantity should still be included in the total formula calculation.

Does Guar Gum Dissolve in Water?

Guar Gum is better described as a material that hydrates and disperses in water to form a viscous colloidal system.

It does not behave like a simple crystalline ingredient such as salt or sugar.

Proper hydration is essential for maximum viscosity.

Temperature

Guar Gum can hydrate in water without very high processing temperatures.

In many formulations, room-temperature or moderately warm processing is sufficient.

Excessive heat is generally unnecessary.

Always follow the raw material supplier’s TDS for the specific grade.

pH Considerations

Guar Gum can function over a relatively broad pH range, but viscosity and long-term stability may change depending on:

• pH
• Electrolytes
• Surfactants
• Preservatives
• Temperature
• Other polymers

For this reason, it is better not to market every Guar Gum grade with a fixed statement such as:

pH 4.5–7.0

unless that range comes from the supplier specification.

Electrolyte Compatibility

Salts and other electrolytes can influence the hydration and viscosity of polymeric thickeners.

When formulating:

• Shampoos
• Liquid soaps
• Detergents

always test Guar Gum with the complete surfactant and electrolyte system.

Guar Gum in Cold Process Soap

Guar Gum is not required for traditional cold process soap making.

Cold process soap obtains its solid structure through the saponification of oils with sodium hydroxide.

Adding Guar Gum does not replace:

• Correct oil selection
• SAP calculations
• Sodium hydroxide
• Proper curing

Small experimental amounts may be tested for texture or suspension, but it is not a standard ingredient required in solid soap.

Guar Gum in Melt & Pour Soap

Guar Gum is also generally unnecessary in standard melt and pour soap bases.

Adding dry gum may cause:

• Clumping
• Cloudiness
• Uneven texture
• Reduced clarity

Use only where the soap-base supplier or a tested formulation specifically supports it.

Better Applications Than Solid Soap

Guar Gum is generally more useful in:

• Liquid cleansing systems
• Shampoos
• Shower gels
• Creams
• Lotions
• Gels
• Masks

than in conventional solid soap bars.

Product Details

Product Name: Guar Gum
INCI Name: Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum
Botanical Source: Guar Seed
Weight: 100 g
Form: Fine Powder
Primary Functions: Thickener / Stabilizer / Rheology Modifier
Water Behavior: Hydrates and disperses in water
Applications: Shampoos, Cleansers, Creams, Lotions, Gels and Cosmetic Formulations

Is Guar Gum Natural?

Guar Gum is derived from guar seeds and is generally considered a plant-derived natural polymer.

However, claims such as:

100% Natural

should only be used when supported by the actual supplier specification and processing information.

Is Guar Gum a Preservative?

No.

Guar Gum does not replace a cosmetic preservative.

Water-containing formulations may still require an appropriate antimicrobial preservation system.

In fact, natural gums can provide nutrients that support microbial growth if a formulation is inadequately preserved.

Therefore professional formulations should consider:

• Appropriate preservative system
• Good Manufacturing Practice
• Microbiological testing
• Preservative efficacy testing

where applicable.

Sensory Considerations

Excess Guar Gum can result in:

• Slimy feel
• Stringy texture
• Excessive viscosity
• Difficult spreading
• Poor dispensing

For this reason, low starting concentrations are generally recommended.

Storage

Store Guar Gum:

• In tightly closed packaging
• In a cool and dry location
• Away from moisture
• Away from direct sunlight
• Protected from contamination

Because it is a powdered natural polymer, moisture exposure can cause clumping and affect performance.

Safety Information

• Avoid inhaling fine powder.
• Avoid direct eye contact.
• Use appropriate dust protection during bulk handling.
• Keep packaging tightly closed.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Follow supplier SDS and technical documentation.
• Evaluate the finished product for its intended cosmetic use.

Wholesale, Private Label & Contract Manufacturing

We also supply Guar Gum, natural thickeners, cosmetic polymers, surfactants and other formulation raw materials in wholesale quantities for cosmetic brands, soap makers, laboratories, manufacturers and retailers.

In addition to raw material supply, we provide private label and contract manufacturing services for shampoos, liquid cleansers, creams, lotions, gels, liquid soaps and other customized personal-care products.

Custom formulations can be developed with different rheology systems, surfactants, botanical ingredients, fragrances, viscosities, packaging formats and private label designs.

For bulk Guar Gum orders, private label products or contract manufacturing, please contact us with your required quantity, target viscosity, product concept, packaging requirements, target market and estimated production volume.