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MAGNESIUM THIOGLYCOLATE.

Valuable CAS 63592-16-5 / DEPILATORY, HAIR WAVING OR STRAIGHTENING, REDUCING

Magnesium Thioglycolate is a precision reducing agent predominantly employed in specialized cosmetic applications to effectively modify hair structure. It achieves chemical hair removal and permanent hair reshaping by selectively breaking the disulfide bonds within the hair's keratin. While potent in its intended function, its use is carefully regulated to ensure safety and minimize potential irritation.

Summary

Depilatory Hair Waving or Straightening Reducing Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This compound functions as a potent reducing agent, initiating a chemical process that disrupts the disulfide bonds integral to the keratin structure of hair fibers. This modification allows for the desired changes in hair shape, as seen in permanent waving or straightening, or facilitates the removal of hair in depilatory products by weakening its structural integrity.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range ≤15.2%
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Magnesium Thioglycolate is a chemical active for hair modification, not typically used in 'skin-benefiting' concentrations that would be subject to cosmetic 'dusting' concerns.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 6.5 – 12.7
0 7 14

Stability

A 0.1 N solution of magnesium thioglycolate dihydrate registers a pH of approximately 6.5 at 25°C. Stability is crucial; it oxidizes upon exposure to air and is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and active metals. European Union cosmetics regulations permit a pH range of 7 to 9.5 for hair waving/straightening products, and 7 to 12.7 for depilatory products.

Conflicts

  • Air (leads to oxidation)
  • Strong oxidizers
  • Strong bases
  • Active metals (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium)
  • Certain magnesium complexes with thioglycolic acid (due to low solubility and reactive pH)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
15.2%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The CIR Expert Panel deems Magnesium Thioglycolate safe for use in hair modifying products up to 15.2% (as Thioglycolic Acid) and in depilatories when non-irritating under recommended use conditions, at concentrations up to 5% (as Thioglycolic Acid) at pH 7-12.7 or 2% (as Thioglycolic Acid) at pH 7-9.5. Hairdressers are advised to minimize skin contact and consumer exposure. The SCCS also approves its use with restrictions detailed in Annex III of the EC Cosmetics Regulation, regarding purity, maximum concentration, and product categories. No direct FDA cosmetic status was found, with FDA communications primarily addressing dietary magnesium.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Magnesium Thioglycolate is a valuable ingredient for its highly effective, specialized role in chemical hair modification and removal, provided it is formulated and used within strict regulatory guidelines and concentration limits to ensure consumer safety.

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