Calcium Thioglycolate

CAS Number:

814-71-1

Chemical / IUPAC Name:

Calcium bis(2-mercaptoacetate)

INCI Name:

 Calcium Thioglycolate

Molecular Formula:

C4H6CaO4S2

Molecular Weight:

 238.30 g/mol

EC Number:

212-402-5

Other Names:

Calcium Thioglycollate, Calcium Mercaptoacetate

Uses:

Calcium Thioglycolate is a chemical compound primarily known for its ability to break disulfide bonds in hair, making it a key active ingredient in depilatory (hair removal) products and cold wave permanent hair styling products .

· Depilatory Creams (Hair Removal): The primary use is as the active reducing agent in hair removal creams, lotions, and gels. It breaks down the keratin structure of hair, causing it to weaken and dissolve so it can be easily wiped away .

· Permanent Hair Styling (Cold Waves): Used in some "cold wave" permanent hair styling formulations to soften and reshape hair structure .

· Mechanism: It works by reducing the disulfide bonds (-S-S-) in hair keratin to thiol groups (-SH), allowing the hair to become soft and pliable. When used in depilatories, the weakened hair dissolves; in perms, the hair is reformed and then neutralized to create new bonds .

Origin

Calcium Thioglycolate is a synthetic organic compound produced by reacting thioglycolic acid with a calcium base (such as calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate). It is manufactured under controlled conditions to ensure purity and consistency

What does Calcium Thioglycolate do in a formulation?

• Reducing Agent / Depilatory Agent: Breaks disulfide bonds in hair, causing it to dissolve or become weak enough for easy removal .
• Hair Straightening / Perming Agent: Softens hair structure for reshaping in permanent wave formulations .
• Keratin-Disrupting Agent: Specifically targets the protein structure of hair .

Safety Profile:

· General Hazard Classification: Classified as harmful if swallowed and causes serious eye irritation. It can also cause skin burns and is harmful to aquatic life .

· Corrosivity: Calcium Thioglycolate and depilatory products containing it are alkaline and can be corrosive to skin if left on too long or used improperly .

· Primary Hazards:

  · Skin Irritation/Burns: Can cause chemical burns if contact time exceeds recommended limits (typically 3-10 minutes) .

  · Eye Damage: Causes serious eye damage upon contact .

  · Inhalation/Ignition: Dust may be irritating to respiratory tract. The material itself is combustible .

· Safety Precautions: Strictly follow product instructions. Do not use on irritated or broken skin. Avoid eye contact. Rinse immediately if contact occurs. Keep out of reach of children. Use only as directed with precise timing .

· Allergenicity: Can cause sensitization in some individuals .

· Regulatory Status: Approved for use in depilatory cosmetics when formulated within safe concentration limits. Must meet specific purity and labeling requirements .

Technical profile: