PLDEFRESITJęzyk: polski
INCI name

POTASSIUM THIOGLYCOLATE

Potassium thioglycolate

DepilatoryHair waving or straighteningreviewed

A salt of thioglycolic acid used in depilatories and perms, regulated in Annex III.

What it is

Potassium thioglycolate (potassium mercaptoacetate) is the potassium salt of thioglycolic acid. CosIng lists it as a depilatory and hair waving or straightening agent. In the EU it is listed in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions).

Where it is used

Found in depilatory creams, permanent waving products, hair straightening products and eyelash perming products.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits, conditions and label warnings, which depend on the product type.

Functions

Depilatory
Breaking down the the mechanical strength of hair fibers so that they can be removed by mild scraping/rubbing.
Hair waving or straightening
Modifying the chemical structure of the hair, allowing it to be set in the style required (permanent waves or hair straightening).

EU regulation

EU · Annex III, entry 2aThioglycolic acid and its salts
Product type
(a) Hair products (b) Depilatories (c) Hair rinse-off products (d) Products intended for eyelash waving
Maximum concentration
(a) (i) 8% (ii) 11% (b) 5% (c) 2% (d) 11% The abovementioned percentages are calculated as thioglycollic acid
Conditions and warnings
Conditions of use: (a) (b) (c) (d) Avoid contact with eyes Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them. (a) (c) (d) Wear suitable gloves Warnings to be printed on the label: (a)(i) (b) (c) Contains thioglycolate Follow the instructions Keep out of reach of children (a)(ii) (d) For professional use only Contains thioglycolate Follow the instructions’
As of
3 November 2026 · (EU) 2015/1190

Products with this ingredient (26)

Check a full ingredient list