A sulfur-containing glycerol derivative used as a reducing agent in hair waving and depilatory products.
What it is
Thioglycerin is 3-mercaptopropane-1,2-diol, a derivative of glycerol in which one hydroxyl group is replaced by a thiol (-SH) group. CosIng lists it as a depilatory, hair waving or straightening, keratolytic and reducing ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in permanent waving and hair straightening products and in depilatory creams.
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.
The INCI list does not show the pH of the product or whether the ingredient is used alone or with other reducing agents.
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).
- Keratolytic
- Helping to eliminate the dead cells of the stratum corneum.
- Reducing
- Changing the chemical nature of another ingredient by adding hydrogen (or removing oxygen).
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.