Guar Gum Cosmetic Thickener

Guar Gum is water soluble. When adding Guar Gum to a mixture it is best to add small quantities at a time. Be sure to stir for a while after each addition. If Guar Gum is added too quickly or in large quantities, it will gel or clump together. Guar Gum works well in mixtures that freeze but not in extreme heat or in pH (above pH8 or below pH5). Do not use if your formula contains Borax or Calcium.

Guar gum is a polysaccharide that acts as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. Guar gum has 8 times the water-thickening potency of cornstarch. Only a small amount is needed to increase the viscosity of a product (.5%-1%).

Guar gum can be used in soaps to help achieve better emulsions, and as a whitening agent.

Guar gum can be used in lotion, cream, and ointment recipes as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer. Suggested rate of usage in a recipe is .5%-2%.

Guar gum can be used in shampoo, conditioner, and liquid soap recipes to increase viscosity, and to allow solid particles to be suspended in the product.

Guar gum can be used in natural toothpaste recipes.

Guar gum can be used in mascara making.

CLAY MASCARA
4½ tsp Australian black clay
½ tsp Australian red reef clay
Pinch guar gum
¼ tsp vegetable glycerin
1¾ tsp water
Stir together the clays and guar gum in a small dish. Add the vegetable glycerin and water. Stir/mash to combine (you may have to add more water, but be cautious—too much water will give you a mascara that is not viscous enough to apply/have any effect).
Keep it in a small jar, where you can dip my brush in and then wipe off the excess. When applying, be sure to experiment with different brushes.