GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE

Name / description

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride; Guar gum, 2-Hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl Ether, Chloride

---

Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products

ANTISTATIC

Reduces electrostatic charges (eg of the hair)

FILM FORMING

Produces a continuous film on skin, hair and / or nails

SKIN CONDITIONING

Maintains the skin in good condition

VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetic products

---

Origin

synthetic

---

Why are we talking about it?

Quaternary ammoniums are accused of being irritating to the skin. The facts: Quaternary ammoniums, the best known of which are cetrimonium chloride, steartrimonium chloride and behentrimonium chloride, are indeed irritating to the skin and eyes when used pure or in high concentrations. The low concentrations of quaternary ammoniums authorised by the European regulation are not or only minimally irritating. As a cosmetic product is more than the sum of its ingredients, the art of formulation lies in the incorporation of (potentially irritating) ingredients at the right (and low) concentration and combining them well in order to improve the general tolerance of the product. Is it worth remembering that it is the tolerance of the final product that counts, not that of the individual ingredients, and that this is assessed before the product is placed on the market. Key points to take away: At the concentrations authorised in cosmetic products, quaternary ammoniums are not considered irritants. In addition, formulas are developed to obtain an optimal tolerance of the final product.

---

Belongs to the following substance groups

---

Regulating cosmetics

Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.