POTASSIUM SULFIDE is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-SAFETY-.
POTASSIUM SULFIDE
Safety grade: C
Potassium sulfide is a chemical compound that works by breaking down the protein structure of hair, making it weak enough to be wiped away from the skin. It's the active ingredient in traditional hair removal products.
This ingredient is used in depilatory products to dissolve hair at the skin's surface, allowing it to be easily removed without shaving or waxing.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Restricted
- Health Canada — Restricted
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to POTASSIUM SULFIDE
- AMMONIUM THIOLACTATE — Grade A. Reduces hair keratin bonds via thiol chemistry, enabling depilation like potassium sulfide.
- MERCAPTOPROPIONIC ACID — Grade A. Thiol-based reducing agent that breaks hair protein disulfide bonds for depilation.
- THIOLACTIC ACID — Grade A. Thiol reducing agent that dissolves hair structure at skin surface like sulfides.
Other Depilatory ingredients
- THIOGLYCERIN — Grade A
- POTASSIUM THIOGLYCOLATE — Grade C**
- COPERNICIA CERIFERA WAX — Grade A
- CALCIUM THIOGLYCOLATE — Grade C**
- THIOGLYCOLIC ACID — Grade D**
- COLOPHONIUM — Grade A