GUAR

Guar

Guar is a plant-derived polysaccharide obtained from the seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. In personal care, guar-based polymers are valued for their natural origin, efficient rheology control, and versatility across skin and hair care systems.Polygal focuses on high-purity guar ingredients specifically refined or modified for cosmetic and personal care applications. Our portfolio covers natural guar hydrocolloids, clarity-optimized grades, locust bean gum for premium textures, hydroxypropyl guar for transparent and alcohol systems, and cationic guar conditioning polymers.

Composition & structure

Guar gum belongs to the galactomannan family of polysaccharides.

Polymer Structure

Guar consists of:

Backbone: Linear chain of β-D-mannose units linked via (1→4) glycosidic bonds

Side groups: α-D-galactose units attached via (1→6) linkages

Mannose:Galactose ratio: approx. 2:1

This structure gives guar:

High hydration capacity

Strong viscosity development at low use levels

Film-forming ability

Compatibility with many cosmetic ingredients

Native vs. Modified Guar

Polygal offers both native and modified guar technologies:

Type

Native Guar (Polycos Ecogum)

Clarified Guar (Ecogum Clear)

Locust Bean Gum (Ecogum Sense)

Hydroxypropyl Guar (A-2500 HV)

Cationic Guar (CA Series)

Structure

Non-ionic galactomannan

Optimized purification

Similar galactomannan with different mannose/galactose ratio

Ether-modified guar

Quaternized guar

Key Benefit

Efficient thickening, opaque systems

High transparency

Elegant, cushiony texture

Transparency + alcohol compatibility

Conditioning & deposition on hair

Structural modification enables targeted performance in specific cosmetic systems.

How Guar Is Produced

Commercial guar gum production typically involves:

Harvesting guar beans
Mature seeds are collected and dried.

Dehusking & splitting
The outer hull is removed and the endosperm (guar split) is separated.

Milling
The purified endosperm is ground into guar gum powder.

Purification & refinement
For cosmetic use, further purification removes residual impurities and ensures controlled particle size and microbiological quality.

Polygal’s approach

Polygal sources high-quality guar raw materials and further refines or modifies them for cosmetic and personal care applications. Depending on the product grade, additional technologies may include:

Controlled purification for clarity optimization

Chemical modification (e.g., hydroxypropylation)

Cationization for conditioning performance

Particle size adjustment and quality control

All processes are tailored to meet cosmetic regulatory and performance requirements.

Technology

Guar technology can be adapted to meet different formulation challenges.

Native Guar Technology
(Polycos Ecogum)

Cold processable

Strong viscosity build-up

Opaque systems

Suitable for natural emulsions

Clarity-Optimized Technology
(Polycos Ecogum Clear)

High transmittance (up to 94% at 0.5%)

Transparent gel systems

Smooth, honey-like flow

Compatible with surfactants

Sensory-Focused Technology
(Polycos Ecogum Sense)

Cushioning texture

Stable across pH 4–10

Enhances moisturization

Ideal for premium emulsions

Alcohol-Compatible Technology
(Polycos A-2500 HV)

95% transmittance at 0.5%

Stable in up to 80% ethanol

Suitable for hydroalcoholic gels

Cold processable

Conditioning Technology
(Polycos CA Series)

Cationic charge for deposition

Improves wet & dry combing

Reduces frizz

Enhances foam and active deposition

Guar Technology Comparison

Property

Ionic character

Transparency

Alcohol compatibility

Conditioning effect

Best for

Native Guar

Non-ionic

Opaque

Limited

Low

Creams & lotions

Clear Guar

Non-ionic

High

Limited

Moderate

Clear gels

Hydroxypropyl Guar

Non-ionic

Very high

High

Moderate

Hand sanitizers

Cationic Guar

Cationic

Depends on grade

Moderate

High

Shampoos & conditioners

Application of Guar in Personal Care

While guar is widely used in food and technical industries, Polygal focuses exclusively on cosmetic and personal care applications.

Skin Care

Creams and lotions

Gel-cream systems

Transparent face gels

Serum-gel hybrids

Sensitive skin formulations

Hair Care

Shampoos

Conditioners

Hair masks

Styling gels

Scalp care treatments

Cleansing & Hygiene

Body washes

Clear surfactant systems

Hand sanitizers

Surfactant-free emulsions

Why Guar for Modern Cosmetics?

Guar-based polymers support the transition toward plant-based, biodegradable, and microplastic-free formulation strategies.

Key advantages:

Natural Origin Index up to 1.00

Efficient thickening at low use levels

Adjustable performance through modification

Cold or hot process options

Broad pH stability (grade-dependent)

COSMOS-approved options available

Vegan and non-GMO

Polygal’s guar portfolio enables formulators to select precisely the right polymer for clarity, conditioning, rheology control, alcohol stability, or premium sensory performance.

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