Hydroxypropyl Guar

Good

Film-Forming Agent

No known benefits

Hydroxypropyl Guar description

Hydroxypropyl guar is a legume-based polysaccharide derived from guar gum. It serves as a thickening agent in skin care, makeup, and hair care formulations. Hydroxypropyl guar may also be used to help stabilize emulsions and is commonly found in skin care gels, lotions, and hair-conditioning products. Hydroxypropyl guar is noted for its film-forming and lubricating properties that deliver a smooth feel to skin and hair. As a raw material for cosmetics, hydroxypropyl guar comes in fine powder form. In 2015, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed hydroxypropyl guar “safe in the present practices of use and concentration” described in their report, which surveyed 167 personal care products containing up to 2% concentration of hydroxypropyl guar in leave-on formulas and up to 93% concentration for rinse-off products. Fun fact: Hydroxypropyl guar is also used in artificial tear eye drops.

Hydroxypropyl Guar references

  • CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed June 2022, ePublication
  • International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, July 2016, pages 361-372
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2015, pages 35S–65S
  • Polysaccharides Bioactivity and Biotechnology, 2015, pages 1,867-1,892
  • Current Eye Research, June 2004, pages 437-444

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.