Mercaptopropionic Acid
A cosmetic ingredient used as depilatory, hair waving or straightening, reducing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
3-Mercaptopropionic acid
What does it do?
Mercaptopropionic Acid is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Depilatory
removes unwanted body hair, typically by breaking down the hair shaft
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Hair waving or straightening
permanently changes the shape of hair through chemical reduction and re-oxidation of the hair's disulfide bonds
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Reducing
a reducing agent — donates electrons to break chemical bonds, used in perms and depilatories
EU regulatory status
Mercaptopropionic Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mercaptopropionic Acid?
Mercaptopropionic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 3-Mercaptopropionic acid
Is Mercaptopropionic Acid allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Mercaptopropionic Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Mercaptopropionic Acid do in cosmetic products?
Mercaptopropionic Acid is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: depilatory, hair waving or straightening, reducing.
What is the CAS number of Mercaptopropionic Acid?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Mercaptopropionic Acid is 107-96-0.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010