Maximize Your Hair Care Formulation with GUAR M100
GUAR M100, with the INCI name Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, is a natural cationic conditioning agent derived from the guar bean, also known as guar gum, a type of galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from the seeds of the plant Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. This plant is commonly found in regions of India, Pakistan, and America. Through a chemical modification process, this natural polysaccharide compound acquires cationic (positively charged) properties.
The key to its performance lies in its positive cationic charge. Hair fibers, especially those that are dry, damaged, or have been chemically treated, have a negative surface charge. When GUAR M100 is added to a formulation, an electrostatic attraction occurs between the polymer and the hair shaft. As a result, GUAR M100 forms a thin and uniform layer on the hair surface, providing moisture, smoothing the cuticle, and reducing static effects on the hair.
Benefits of GUAR M100
Conditioning and Easy Styling
GUAR M100 smooths hair fibers and enhances combing performance, both wet and dry. Its polymer ability to form a thin layer helps reduce friction between hair strands, making it easier to detangle and reduce damage.
Deposition Efficiency
It boosts the deposition of active ingredients such as silicones, oils, and conditioning agents onto the hair surface, creating a soft, smooth feel without weighing the hair down.
Lightweight Sensory Profile
Unlike heavy conditioning agents, GUAR M100 provides a “weightless” feel—leaving the hair soft, airy, and naturally smooth after use.
Clean Rinsability and Anti-Buildup
Testing shows that even after 10 consecutive washes, GUAR M100 does not cause product buildup, maintaining volume and keeping hair clean.
Compatibility and Stability
Works effectively in both sulfate and sulfate-free cleansing systems, supporting modern, lighter formulations that are popular in the clean beauty trend.
Image 1. Dry, tangled, and unruly hair needs a GUAR M100 formula as part of your hair care routine to keep it soft, shiny, and easy to manage.
GUAR M100 Characteristics
- INCI Name: Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
- Appearance: Light yellow powder
- Odor: Odorless
- Nitrogen Content (%): 1.45–1.75
- Viscosity: 25–65 mPa·s (1% aqueous solution at 25°C)
How GUAR M100 Works
Guar gum is a water-soluble polymer. When mixed with water, its molecules swell and bind with surrounding water molecules, forming a thick and sticky gel structure. Its ability to form coacervates—a complex formed when cationic polymers interact with anionic surfactants like SLES—allows it to act as a microscopic delivery system that carries conditioning agents like silicones, oils, or other active ingredients to the hair during rinsing.
Formulating hair care products with GUAR M100, which acts as a positively charged cationic, helps minimize static effects on the hair, smooths, moisturizes, and adds shine. In both sulfate and sulfate-free systems, according to UV-Vis analysis in technical data, GUAR M100 shows strong and stable flocculation. With nitrogen content of 1.45–1.75% and low viscosity (25–65 mPa·s), GUAR M100 provides a light, non-greasy conditioning effect, ideal for modern formulations.
Clinical Testing of GUAR M100
- GUAR M100 helps deposit silicone oils, which lock moisture into the hair more effectively than samples without cationic polymers, leaving the hair feeling smooth and soft.
- In sulfate systems, GUAR M100 polymer, even after double washing, does not cause excessive cationic buildup on the hair, making it easier to manage.
- In sulfate systems, GUAR M100 performs exceptionally well in conditioning dry hair without causing excessive product buildup, even after 10 washes.
- In sulfate-free systems, GUAR M100 rinses easily and has a weaker pseudo-slip compared to other cationic conditioners, providing a more optimal cleansing experience.
- In sulfate-free systems with increased dosage, GUAR M100 polymer exhibits stronger and broader flocculation properties, allowing for controlled cation deposition on the hair and easier rinsing.
Image 2. Left before, right after. GUAR M100 does not cause problems with excessive buildup after 10 washes.
Applications Product of GUAR M100
Shampoo
In shampoos, GUAR M100 acts as the primary conditioning polymer, improving foam stability, ease of wet combing, and providing a smooth sensation after washing. Using 0.4% GUAR M100 combined with SLES, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and glycerin results in a hair care product that gives a glossy appearance, smooth cleaning, and ease of styling post-wash.
Hair Conditioner
In conditioners, it provides light softness and helps distribute silicones evenly across the hair shaft. GUAR M100 also enhances the absorption of active ingredients, ensuring they are easy to rinse out and preventing oil buildup.
2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner
GUAR M100 polymer increases compatibility between anionic surfactants and cationic actives, stabilizing emulsions and improving conditioning deposition.
Body Wash & Facial Cleanser
Besides hair care, GUAR M100 can be used in skin care products like body wash and facial cleansers. These products provide a smooth and soft sensation on the skin after rinsing, without reducing foam performance.
Develop Your GUAR M100 Formulation with Maha
Maha is the official supplier of GUAR M100 products. This ingredient offers high compatibility for your personal care products. Contact Maha now for more information on the product, claim FREE samples, and receive technical support from our formulation experts!