POTASSIUM THIOGLYCOLATE is graded C** (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-SAFETY-.
POTASSIUM THIOGLYCOLATE
Safety grade: C**
This is a chemical compound that breaks down the protein structure in hair, making it softer and easier to remove or reshape. It's the active ingredient in many hair removal creams and permanent wave treatments.
This ingredient works by breaking chemical bonds in hair protein, allowing it to be dissolved for hair removal or chemically restructured for permanent wave or straightening treatments.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Restricted
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to POTASSIUM THIOGLYCOLATE
- THIOGLYCERIN — Grade A. Thioglycerol breaks disulfide bonds in hair protein like potassium thioglycolate for depilation and waving.
- THIOLACTIC ACID — Grade A. Thiolactic acid reduces disulfide bonds in keratin for hair straightening and depilatory effects.
- AMMONIUM THIOLACTATE — Grade A. Ammonium thiolactate breaks hair protein bonds for depilation and permanent wave restructuring.
- CYSTEAMINE HCL — Grade A. Cysteamine HCL reduces disulfide bonds in hair protein for straightening and waving treatments.
- CYSTEINE — Grade A. Cysteine reduces disulfide bonds in hair keratin for chemical straightening and wave restructuring.
Other Hair Waving Or Straightening ingredients
- SODIUM SULFITE — Grade C
- THREONINE — Grade A
- BIS-AMINOPROPYL DIGLYCOL DIMALEATE — Grade A
- ANGELICA GIGAS ROOT EXTRACT — Grade A
- GLYOXYLIC ACID — Grade A