Based on the available data, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that ... Calcium Thioglycolate is safe for use in hair straighteners, permanent waves, tonics, dressings, and so forth, wave sets, other non-coloring hair products, and hair dyes and colors, as described in this safety assessment, at concentrations up to 15.2% (as Thioglycolic Acid). Hairdressers should avoid skin contact and minimize consumer skin exposure. Calcium Thioglycolate in depilatories is safe when formulated to be non-irritating under conditions of recommended use.
Solubility Prismatic rod crystals. Odorless or faint mercaptan odor; somewhat astringent and fetid taste. Slowly loses H2O above 95 °C, darkens at 220 °C and partially fuses with decompn at 280-290 °C. Sol in water; very slightly sol in alcohol, chloroform; practically insol in ether, petr ether, benzene. Solns readily absorb CO2 from air, percipitating CaCO3. /Trihydrate/
Formula
C4H6CaO4S2
Mol. Weight
222.30
CAS #
814-71-1
Form
Powder
State
White solid; [HSDB] Faintly beige powder; [MSDSonline]
See origin →
Functions
Depilatory
Keratolytic
A pharmaceutical-grade active. These are the heavy hitters — often prescription-strength or regulated for potency.
Reducing
Supports cell turnover
Unclogs pores
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a reducing agent used in chemical hair straightening and permanent wave treatments.