Hydroxypropyl guar

Hydroxypropyl guar (CAS 68442-94-4) is a modified natural polysaccharide derived from guar bean endosperm through hydroxypropyl etherification; also supplied in depolymerized form.

Where is Hydroxypropyl guar used?

• Personal care: primary thickener and conditioning polymer in shampoos, conditioners and skin cleansers, building viscosity and improving wet-comb feel without heavy buildup
• Home care: rheology control in liquid detergents and surface cleaners, with stable suspension of actives and consistent pour behavior
• Oilfield: depolymerized grades act as friction reducers and fluid-loss control agents in hydraulic fracturing and completion fluids
• Textile and paper processing: sizing and finishing agent improving fiber cohesion and surface uniformity
• The modification improves water solubility and reduces residue compared to native guar.

Good to know: Grades are differentiated by degree of substitution, molecular weight and specific viscosity profile. Depolymerized variants target low-viscosity personal care and oilfield applications.

Commercial specifications

• Industrial, cosmetic and oilfield-specific grades are the most commonly traded specifications