Ingredient · Plant-Derived Cationic Conditioning Polymer
Cationic Guar (Guar Derivative)
INCI · Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Related names and forms: Cationic Guar. This list does not indicate synonyms or exact ingredient matches.
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (INCI: Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride; commonly cationic guar) is a cationic, positively charged conditioning polymer derived from guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) gum, a galactomannan polysaccharide, and functionalised with a quaternary ammonium group. Its plant origin makes it common in sulphate-free and plant-positioned formulas. It works electrostatically: the positively charged guar derivative adheres to hair's negatively charged surface and deposits selectively during rinsing. This deposition provides slip, detangling, easier combing and a soft feel. It is most common in shampoos, particularly for conditioning during washing in sulphate-free systems, and rinse-out conditioners. Curly and wavy hair products also use it for slip and detangling. Cationic guar generally feels light and does not cause noticeable build-up for most users. Still, layering a very intensive conditioning routine on fine hair may feel weighty; this concerns the routine more than the ingredient alone. Labels show 'Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride'. Klaris considers product type, conditioning system and the whole formula together.
i. Cosmetic Functions
Frequently Discussed Effects
The following headings summarise areas of effect frequently discussed in the literature; visible results in each area require regular use and a suitable formula.
Detangling and Slip
Adheres to hair for easier combing, slip and a soft feel.
Conditioning During Washing
Leaves conditioning on hair in shampoos, particularly sulphate-free ones, balancing the dry feeling of washing.
Plant Origin
Derived from guar gum, making it common in formulas favouring plant-derived ingredients.
Mechanism
What Happens Within the Skin?
The following points summarise mechanisms from dermocosmetic literature in plain English. Klaris presents them as background information to help readers understand the context, not as medical claims.
Step 1
Plant-Derived Cationic Polymer
Guar gum, a galactomannan, functionalised with a quaternary ammonium group to give a positive charge.
Step 2
Selective Deposition During Rinsing
Its positive charge adheres to negatively charged hair, depositing selectively during rinsing and leaving a conditioning film.
Step 3
Slip and Detangling
A film on the strand provides easier combing, slip and a soft feel.
ii. Role in the Formula
How Is It Read on a Label?
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is guar gum, a galactomannan, functionalised with a quaternary ammonium group to give a positive charge. This enables adhesion to negatively charged hair. It is common in shampoos and rinse-out conditioners for conditioning during washing and detangling, and in curly or wavy hair products for slip. It is a conditioning agent that deposits selectively on hair during rinsing.
Typical Concentration Range
0.1% - 1% (depending on formula context)
Ingredient Family
Conditioning Ingredients
iii. Sensitivity Advisory
A Note on Extra Care in Context
Generally a lightweight, well-tolerated conditioning polymer that does not cause noticeable build-up for most users. Layering a very intensive conditioning routine at fine-hair roots may feel weighty; it is assessed alongside the cleansing system.
A sensitivity advisory is not an instruction for use; where individual health circumstances, pregnancy or known sensitivities are involved, discussing the decision with your doctor may be a more contextual approach.
Scientific Basis
Sources and Their Scope
The following headings indicate areas of research; they are not citations of a specific publication or confirmation that every statement on this page has been verified. The links provided should be read with their individual scope in mind.
- International INCI / CosIng database
- Formulation chemistry guides
- Cosmetic ingredient safety assessment groups
Starting Points for Independent Research
These links lead to official databases and serve as starting points for searches.
iv. Related Ingredients
Ingredients Often Read Together
v. Conditioning Ingredients Family
Other Ingredients in the Same Family
Explore ingredients in the same functional family to deepen your reading of formulas.
vi. Academy · Related Reading
For a Closer Look
6 Min Read
How to Read an INCI List on a Hair Product
Familiar ingredient families in shampoo, conditioner and masks, and how the context of the same list changes with your Hair Identity.
6 Min Read
Curly Hair Care: How to Read the Ingredients
Curls change how moisture is distributed along the strand: humectant and emollient families, frizz tendencies and the context of washing.
6 Min Read
What You Need to Know About Sulphates (SLS/SLES)
A measured look at cleansing chemistry, its role in formulas and the context of sensitive profiles.
Klaris · Example Analyses
How Does Cationic Guar (Guar Derivative) Feature
in Your Products?
Explore product examples to see the ingredient list, general assessment and match score that changes with the example profile together.
Masked products and example profiles, not a personal analysis. Profile matching in the app is part of Klaris Premium. The app is currently available in Turkish. An English version is in preparation.