thickener
Hydroxypropyl Guar
Generally safe·Moderate evidence
A modified guar gum used to thicken and stabilize emulsions and gels. It is derived from guar beans and is well tolerated when applied topically. It is common in skincare formulas where a smooth texture is valued.
Questions
- Is hydroxypropyl guar safe in cosmetics?
- Hydroxypropyl guar is graded as safe in published reviews and is a natural thickener derived from guar bean. It is used in skincare, haircare, and personal care products to build viscosity and texture.
- What does hydroxypropyl guar do?
- This ingredient thickens formulas and improves texture in gels, serums, and conditioners. It also acts as a humectant, helping formulas retain moisture and feel silky.
- Why is it in hair products?
- Hydroxypropyl guar is prized in shampoos and conditioners for its ability to reduce frizz, improve slip, and condition hair without silicones. It rinses away completely with water.
Products with Hydroxypropyl Guar
- 100PipetteBaby Shampoo + Wash
- 100Beauty of JoseonGreen Plum Refreshing Cleanser
- 100SEENScalp Clarifying Shampoo, Fragrance Free
- 100PipetteBaby Shampoo + Wash (Fragrance Free)
- 98By HumankindLavender Shampoo
- 96Tiege HanleyWASH
- 94MooGooFull Cream Moisturizer
- 93CetaphilPro Eczema Prone Skin Restoring Body Wash
- 92HonestShampoo + Body Wash, Fragrance Free
- 92OlaplexNo. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
- 91Adwoa BeautyBaomint Leave-In Conditioning Styler
- 90TRESemmeKeratin Smooth Shampoo
- 89The Honest CompanySensitive Shampoo + Body Wash
- 88CLnShampoo
- 87OuidadAdvanced Climate Control Frizz-Fighting Hydrating Mask
- 87Luxe OrganixPremium Keratin Argan Shampoo
- 86AveenoSkin Relief Body Wash Sensitive
- 86BevelMen's Face Wash
- 85Living ProofPerfect Hair Day Shampoo
- 85Color WowColor Security Conditioner
- 84OlaplexNo. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
- 83DoveUltra Care Daily Moisture Shampoo
- 83Living ProofFull Conditioner
- 83JoicoMoisture Recovery Conditioner
- 83Kirkland SignatureBody Wash, Natural Citrus
- 83CremoSandalwood Shave Cream
- 82CremoDaily Face Wash
- 82Kristin EssThe One Signature Conditioner
- 82BriogeoDon't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
- 82MoroccanoilIntense Hydrating Mask
- 82Kirkland SignatureMoisture Shampoo
- 81Kristin EssInstant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
- 81Bread Beauty SupplyHair-Wash Milky Hair Cleanser
- 81Mielle OrganicsBabassu & Mint Deep Conditioner
- 81Mielle OrganicsBabassu & Mint Damage Repair Bond Treatment
- 80DoveDeep Moisture
- 80BriogeoDon't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
- 80OUAIMedium Hair Conditioner
- 80Childs FarmBaby Shampoo & Body Wash, Baby Soft Scent
- 79OGXNourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo
- 79MielleMango & Tulsi Nourishing Instant 3-IN-1 Serum
- 79AveenoDaily Moisturizing
- 79K18PEPTIDE PREP Detox Shampoo
- 77CurlsmithCurl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream
- 76Bjorn AxenRepair Shampoo
- 76SuaveMen Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
- 75KerastaseNutritive Bain Satin Riche Shampoo
- 75Milk_ShakeMake My Day Shampoo
- 74OlayUltra Moisture
- 74Maria NilaTrue Soft Shampoo
- 73Maui MoistureHeal & Hydrate Shea Butter Shampoo
- 73DavinesOi Shampoo
- 73NatureLab TOKYOPerfect Clean 2-in-1 Scalp Scrub & Clarifying Shampoo
- 73René FurtererKarité Nutri Intense Nourishing Mask
- 72PanteneDaily Moisture Renewal Shampoo
- 72Head & ShouldersClassic Clean 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
- 72Head & ShouldersClassic Clean 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner
- 72AXETotal Fresh 3-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner + Body Wash
- 70DoveBeauty Daily Moisture Shampoo
- 70SuperzeroSolid Shampoo Bar for Dry, Damaged Hair & Light Frizz
- 70DoveIntensive Repair Shampoo
- 69RitualsThe Ritual of Karma Foaming Shower Gel
- 69SuaveMen Ocean Charge 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
- 68RedkenAll Soft Shampoo
- 67DoveMen+Care Fresh & Clean 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
- 67PertClassic Clean 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
- 66VerbGhost Shampoo
- 66PanteneCurl Perfection Shampoo
- 66GarnierWhole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Shampoo
- 65Herbal EssencesHydrate Coconut Milk Shampoo
- 65Head & ShouldersTea Tree 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
- 65Herbal EssencesSmooth Rose Hips Shampoo
- 63Head & ShouldersSmooth & Silky 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner
- 60Life BrandOriginal Moisturizing Body Wash
- 43DoveDeeply Nourishing Body Wash
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.