Pharmaceutical Applications

In pharmaceutical formulation, guar gum is used as a tablet binder, disintegrant (at low concentrations), controlled-release matrix, and suspension aid. It is also one of the most widely used soluble-fiber ingredients in nutraceutical fiber supplements (powdered or capsule) targeting cholesterol reduction, glycemic control, and digestive health. In colon-targeted drug delivery, guar gum's resistance to upper-GI digestion and fermentation by colonic bacteria make it a well-studied matrix for colon-specific release systems.

Cosmetic & Personal Care Applications

  • Shampoos and conditioners — thickening + conditioning (especially cationic guar / guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, which adheres to negatively-charged hair fibers)
  • Hair gels and styling products — natural thickener with soft hold
  • Body washes, bath foams and shower gels — viscosity builder
  • Lotions and creams — stabilizer for oil-in-water emulsions
  • Toothpastes — binder and texture controller
  • Shaving creams — smoothness and razor glide

Usage levels across cosmetic applications are typically 0.1–0.5%.

Pharma-Grade Specification

ParameterSpecification
Viscosity (1% solution, 25°C)3500 – 5500 cps
Mesh size200 – 300+ mesh (finer available)
Moisture≤ 10%
Protein≤ 5%
Ash≤ 1.0%
Total Plate Count≤ 1,000 cfu/g
E. coli, SalmonellaAbsent in 10 g
Yeast & Mould≤ 100 cfu/g
Heavy Metals (as Pb)≤ 5 ppm
Reference monographUSP, EP, JP available on request
HS Code1302.32.90

Derivatized Grades for Specialty Pharma & Cosmetic

Hydroxypropyl Guar (HPG)

Better salt and temperature tolerance, used in high-performance hair conditioners and some controlled-release pharma matrices.

Cationic Guar (Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride)

The gold-standard hair-care conditioning polymer in professional and premium shampoo formulations. Positively-charged side groups attach to negatively-charged hair fibers, delivering superior wet-combing, softness and anti-static.

Partially Hydrolyzed Guar (PHGG)

A soluble-fiber supplement ingredient with high tolerability (minimal bloating/gas). Marketed as 'prebiotic fiber' in nutraceuticals. Lower viscosity, higher water-solubility than base guar.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Pharmaceutical use: listed in USP, EP, JP, BP and IP pharmacopeias. Non-restricted excipient in major markets.
  • Cosmetic use: listed on the FDA Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and the EU CosIng database (INCI name: Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum). No usage restrictions.
  • Documentation on request: Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS), allergen declaration, Non-GMO declaration, HALAL and Kosher certificates, pharmacopeia compliance letter.

Packaging & Supply

25 kg paper bags with inner liner (standard pharma packaging), 50 kg bags, or 1 MT jumbo bags for high-volume cosmetic formulators. All packaging is color-coded for pharma-grade segregation. Container capacity: 18–20 MT per 20ft FCL. Lead time: 20–30 days (pharma-grade requires extra QC time).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sunrise Grain's guar gum USP/EP compliant?

Our pharma-grade material meets USP, EP, JP and IP monograph specifications. We provide a signed Pharmacopoeia Compliance Letter with each pharma-grade shipment. For buyers requiring full GMP audit documentation, we support on-site audits by prior arrangement.

Can you supply cationic guar for professional hair-care formulations?

Yes, on contract basis. Cationic guar (guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride) is produced via chemical derivatization of base guar. Lead time 45-60 days; MOQ typically higher than standard pharma-grade.

Do you provide allergen and non-GMO declarations?

Yes. Standard documentation with every pharma- or cosmetic-grade shipment includes an allergen declaration (confirming freedom from major food allergens), a non-GMO declaration, HALAL and Kosher certificates on request, and a BSE/TSE-free declaration (guar is 100% plant-derived).

What's the typical MOQ for pharma-grade guar gum?

One 20ft FCL (18-20 MT) is standard. For R&D and formulation trials, we supply 1-10 kg samples via international courier (DHL, FedEx). Request a free 500g sample using the form above.

Do you support regulatory submissions in the US and EU?

Yes. We can supply the documentation typically needed for FDA Drug Master File references, EU CEP (Certificate of Suitability) submissions, and FDA cosmetic registration. Specific documentation requirements vary by submission type — contact our export team to discuss your regulatory needs.