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Moumoujus

MERCAPTOPROPIONIC ACID.

Avoid CAS 107-96-0 / DEPILATORY, HAIR WAVING OR STRAIGHTENING, REDUCING

Mercaptopropionic Acid is a bifunctional organic compound characterized by both a carboxylic acid and a thiol group. Primarily utilized for its ability to modify hair structure, its documented severe safety profile renders it unsuitable for precision skincare applications.

Summary

Reducing agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

The compound's thiol group functions as a potent reducing agent. In hair, this enables it to interact with and disrupt the disulfide bonds within keratin, the primary structural protein. The subsequent re-formation of these bonds facilitates structural modifications, a principle employed in processes like hair perming and straightening. The substance exhibits a reported pH of 2.7.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

This ingredient's specific mechanism of action and severe hazard profile do not align with common practices of 'dusting' or using it as a low-cost filler in cosmetic formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Mercaptopropionic Acid is air sensitive and hygroscopic. Its solubility is influenced by pH changes; specifically, at lower pH values, the carboxylic acid group remains protonated, whereas at higher pH values, deprotonation increases solubility due to the formation of anionic species. The compound has a pKa of 4.34 and a reported pH of 2.7.

Conflicts

  • strong acids
  • bases
  • oxidizers
  • heavy metals
  • metal salts

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

Mercaptopropionic Acid is registered under the REACH Regulation with significant hazard classifications: toxic if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, causes serious eye damage, harmful if inhaled, and potentially corrosive to metals. While 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid is recognized by the FDA as a flavoring agent in food, FDA regulations prohibit cosmetic products from containing ingredients that render them harmful during directed or customary use. No specific SCCS opinion or CIR review exists for its application in cosmetic products.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Due to its severe hazard profile, including the potential to cause severe skin burns and eye damage, and a lack of proven benefits or safety data for skin applications, Mercaptopropionic Acid is strongly advised against for use in precision skincare formulations.

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