Scientific name: Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride
Classification: Active Ingredient
Thickener, gelling agent, and moisturizer.
Stories from Nature
Guar is the name of an annual herbaceous plant native to India, also cultivated in various parts of the world such as Pakistan, China, and the United States. It can grow up to 2 meters tall and produces fruits containing 5–9 seeds, from which the famous guar gum is derived. This gum is produced by grinding the seeds into a water-soluble, ivory-white gelling powder with exceptional thickening power. It is used in many industries: food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, textile, and tobacco.
This powder has the ability to absorb water, even in large quantities, transforming into a sort of gel. It is used in cosmetics to make gels, thicken emulsions, and in many other preparations and formulations. It is particularly suitable for face masks, body wraps, hair care products, and toothpastes.
It also possesses emollient properties that make it ideal for cosmetic use, as it is mildly moisturizing.
Benefits
In specific hair care treatments—including both shampoos and styling products—guar gum provides softness and deep hydration, transforming an aqueous solution into a gel rich in hydrogen bonds to give hair strength and a silky texture.
Furthermore, when it comes into contact with water, it helps moisturize and soften the hair, protecting it from the high heat of a hair dryer.
