Glyceryl Thioglycolate
AKA “Glyceryl monothioglycolate, Glycerol monomercaptoacetate, Acetic acid, monoester with 1, 3-propanetriol, Mercaptoacetic acid”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Glyceryl thioglycolate
AKA: Glyceryl monothioglycolate, Glycerol monomercaptoacetate, Acetic acid, Monoester with 1, 3-propanetriol, Mercaptoacetic acid
Synthetic · Hair Waving Or Straightening · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Synthetic
Clean
A chemical that gently breaks down hair structure to create waves or straighten strands, then locks in the new shape for a lasting style.
Formula
C5H10O4S
Mol. Weight
166.20
CAS #
30618-84-9
Form
Liquid
State
Colorless viscous liquid with a mild sulfurous odor; [Lanza Research MSDS]
See origin →
Functions
Hair Waving Or Straightening
Reducing Agent
Moisturizing
Locks in moisture to keep skin soft and supple throughout the day
Strengthens Barrier
Changes hair texture
Traditional Use
A synthetic derivative combining glycerin with thioglycolic acid, developed in the mid-20th century. Created specifically for use in permanent wave (perm) hair treatments and hair straightening formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Safety Assessment of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate and Beta-Alanine Diacetic Acid as Used in Cosmetics.
Burnett CL, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2025
Safety Assessment of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate and Beta-Alanine Diacetic Acid as Used in Cosmetics.
Burnett CL, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2025
Sodium Dehydroacetate and Dehydroacetic Acid.
Cherian P, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
Sodium Dehydroacetate and Dehydroacetic Acid.
Cherian P, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
Final Amended Report on the Safety Assessment of Ammonium Thioglycolate, Butyl Thioglycolate, Calcium Thioglycolate, Ethanolamine Thioglycolate, Ethyl Thioglycolate, Glyceryl Thioglycolate, Isooctyl T
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Ammonium and Glyceryl Thioglycolates and Thioglycolic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Dehydroacetate and Dehydroacetic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Safety Assessment of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate and Beta-Alanine Diacetic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Sodium Dehydroacetate and Dehydroacetic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Acetic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Beta-Alanine Diacetic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
dehydroacetic acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Glyceryl Thioglycolate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology.
Elhage KG, St Claire K, Daveluy S
International journal of dermatology, 2022
Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology.
Elhage KG, St Claire K, Daveluy S
International journal of dermatology, 2022
Acetic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
dehydroacetic acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Glyceryl Thioglycolate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Potential application of novel liquid crystal nanoparticles of isostearyl glyceryl ether for transdermal delivery of 4-biphenyl acetic acid.
Fujii MY, Asakawa Y, Fukami T
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2020
Preparation of (13)C-labeled ceramide by acetic acid bacteria and its incorporation in mice.
Fukami H, Tachimoto H, Kishi M, Kaga T, Waki H et al.
Journal of lipid research, 2010
Trichloroacetic acid
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR