Guar gum is a natural polysaccharide derived from the seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), used in cosmetics as a viscosity-increasing agent, emulsion stabilizer, and texture enhancer. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment compound.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation possible, generally in sensitive individuals or with high concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; guar gum is considered a low-sensitizing ingredient. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | May occur with direct ocular contact in some formulations. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.