Guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride(GHTC)

INCI Name: Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

CAS Number: 65497-29-2

EC / EINECS No.: 613-809-4 (or 265-995-8)

Chemical Family: Quaternized Galactomannan Polysaccharide Chemical Type: Cationic polymer (Water-soluble)

Appearance- fine, free flowing powder

colour- off white to light yellow

odour- neutral to slight amine like

Solubility: Dispersible in cold water; fully dissolves upon lowering pH below 5.5. Insoluble in pure ethanol, oils, and organic solvents

Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

1. Hair Conditioning & Anti-Static Performance

Neutralizes Static & Frizz: Hair strands carry a negative electrostatic charge. Because GHPTC is positively charged (cationic), it binds tightly to damaged hair fibers, neutralizing static electricity and taming flyaways/frizz.



Improves Compatibility: It deposits a light protective film along the hair shaft that smooths the cuticle, making both wet and dry hair much easier to detangle and comb without causing breakage.



Silicone Alternative: Provides high-slip, silky-smooth feel without the heavy buildup associated with traditional non-biodegradable silicones.



2. Viscosity & Texture Enhancement

Thickener & Stabilizer: Acts as a water-soluble thickener, helping to increase product viscosity and keep oil and water-based ingredients from separating in emulsions.



Enhances Foam Quality: In cleansing formulations, it thickens the lather bubble structure to yield richer, creamier, and more luxurious foam.



3. Deposition Aid

In rinse-off products (like body washes and 2-in-1 shampoos), GHPTC acts as a deposition aid, helping active ingredients and oils adhere to skin and hair even after rinsing.

Hair Care - 2-in-1 Shampoos, Conditioners, Hair Masks, Leave-in Detanglers, & Styling Products

Body & Bath - Creamy Body Washes, Pearlized Shower Gels, & Liquid Hand Soaps

Skincare- Moisturizing Creams, Lotions, and Cleansing Wipes



how to use -

Recommended Usage Rate: 0.1% to 0.5% by weight (up to 1.0% max for heavy conditioning). Overusing it can lead to a sticky feel or buildup on hair.



Step-by-Step Incorporation Process

Step 1: Disperse in Water

Measure your room-temperature distilled water phase.



Slowly sprinkle GHPTC into the water while stirring continuously under medium-to-high shear (e.g., using a stick blender or mechanical overhead stirrer) to prevent lump formation.



At this stage, the mixture will look cloudy and slightly slurry-like because GHPTC does not swell immediately at neutral pH.



Step 2: Hydrate via pH Activation

GHPTC requires an acidic environment (pH 4.5 – 5.5) to swell, hydrate, and clear up.



Add a small amount of Citric Acid solution (50%) dropwise while stirring.



As the pH drops below ~5.5, the polymer will hydrate: the liquid will thicken noticeably and transform from cloudy to clear.



Step 3: Add Surfactants & Other Ingredients

Once fully hydrated and clear, proceed to add your primary and secondary surfactants (e.g., SLES, Coco-Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine), preservatives, fragrance, and active ingredients.



Note: Always fully hydrate GHPTC in water before adding anionic surfactants to avoid precipitation or clumping.