Isopropyl Thioglycolate

INCI: ISOPROPYL THIOGLYCOLATE

CAS Number
7220-53-7 (EC No. 230-956-6) [^1_3]
Function
Reducing agent — depilatory / hair waving agent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 8%
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted with cautions — 21 CFR does not explicitly restrict thioglycolates, but FDA considers them active depilatory agents requiring appropriate labeling

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
high

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Strong reducing agent for depilatories and hair waving; requires strict pH control (7.0–12.7) and mandatory warning labels in EU. Eyelash application is prohibited in EU. Post-marketing surveillance has flagged ongoing irritation reports for depilatory use.

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Isopropyl Thioglycolate safe in cosmetics?

Strong reducing agent for depilatories and hair waving; requires strict pH control (7.0–12.7) and mandatory warning labels in EU. Eyelash application is prohibited in EU. Post-marketing surveillance has flagged ongoing irritation reports for depilatory use. The EU classifies Isopropyl Thioglycolate as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Isopropyl Thioglycolate allowed in the EU?

Isopropyl Thioglycolate EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 8%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Isopropyl Thioglycolate do in cosmetics?

Isopropyl Thioglycolate functions as: Reducing agent — depilatory / hair waving agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 7220-53-7 (EC No. 230-956-6) [^1_3].

What is the Margin of Safety for Isopropyl Thioglycolate?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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