Allowed in EU

Thioglycerin

A cosmetic ingredient used as depilatory, hair waving or straightening, keratolytic in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

3-Mercaptopropane-1,2-diol

What does it do?

Thioglycerin is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Depilatory

    removes unwanted body hair, typically by breaking down the hair shaft

  • Hair waving or straightening

    permanently changes the shape of hair through chemical reduction and re-oxidation of the hair's disulfide bonds

  • Keratolytic

    softens and dissolves the outermost layer of skin keratin, used in exfoliants and acne treatments

  • Reducing

    a reducing agent — donates electrons to break chemical bonds, used in perms and depilatories

EU regulatory status

Thioglycerin 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 Thioglycerin?

Thioglycerin is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 3-Mercaptopropane-1,2-diol

Is Thioglycerin allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. Thioglycerin is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Thioglycerin do in cosmetic products?

Thioglycerin is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: depilatory, hair waving or straightening, keratolytic, reducing.

What is the CAS number of Thioglycerin?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Thioglycerin is 96-27-5.

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