Xanthan Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Cationic Xanthan Gum, Hair Conditioning Polymer
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
Xanthan Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is the quaternary ammonium salt formed by the reaction of Xanthan Gum with 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride.
Functions
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Modern cosmetic ingredient derived from xanthan gum with chemical modification in the late 20th century. Created to enhance hair conditioning and provide improved texture in formulations over unmodified xanthan gum.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR