Guar gum is a polysaccharide that acts as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. Guar gum has 8 times the water-thickening potency of cornstarch. Only a small amount is needed to increase the viscosity of a product.
Guar Gum is water soluble. When adding Guar Gum to a mixture it is best to add small quantities at a time. Be sure to stir for a while after each addition. If Guar Gum is added too quickly or in large quantities, it will gel or clump together. Guar Gum works well in mixtures that freeze but not in extreme heat or in pH (above pH8 or below pH5). Do not use if your formula contains Borax or Calcium.
Guar gum can be used in soaps to help achieve better emulsions, and as a whitening agent. It can be used in lotion, cream, and ointment recipes as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer.
Suggested rate of usage: 0.5%-2%.
INCI: Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum
CAS#: 9000-30-0
