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Moumoujus

THIRAM.

Avoid CAS 137-26-8 / ANTIMICROBIAL

Thiram is a dithiocarbamate compound, historically recognized for its fungicidal and antimicrobial properties. However, modern scientific investigation reveals a potent cytotoxic effect on human skin cells, primarily through severe oxidative stress.

Summary

Antimicrobial Fungicide Bactericide

Science

Mechanism of Action

Thiram's mechanism involves a swift and profound disruption of the cellular antioxidant system. It causes rapid depletion of intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) and a concurrent elevation of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in human skin fibroblasts. This action impairs glutathione reductase (GR) activity, leading to heightened oxidative processes and significant lipid peroxidation, ultimately resulting in cytotoxicity.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated 100% cell death in cultured human skin fibroblasts, accompanied by rapid depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH), increased oxidized glutathione (GSSG), reduced glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and elevated lipid peroxidation, indicating significant cellular toxicity.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4 – 5.5
0 7 14

Stability

Thiram exhibits greatest stability in acidic conditions, with a hydrolysis half-life of 68.5 days at pH 5 and slowest degradation at pH 4. In contrast, it degrades rapidly in neutral (3.5 days at pH 7) and alkaline (6.9 hours at pH 9) environments. It is susceptible to deterioration upon prolonged exposure to heat, air, or moisture.

Conflicts

  • Strong acids (risk of forming toxic Carbon Disulfide and Hydrogen Sulfide gases)
  • Oxidizing agents (e.g., perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates)
  • Reducing agents (e.g., lithium, sodium, aluminum hydrides)
  • Copper
  • Nitrating agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Unknown

In the US, cosmetic ingredients do not require premarket FDA approval. However, Thiram is prohibited for use in plant protection products within the European Union due to its documented negative environmental and human health impacts. It is categorized by Health Canada and the EU Cosmetics Directive as 'banned or found unsafe for use in cosmetics,' and 'restricted in cosmetics' by the Japan Ministry of Health. The EPA classifies it as a pesticide.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Thiram is unequivocally unsuitable for skincare applications, demonstrating severe cytotoxicity at minute concentrations (0.0005%) and being widely restricted or banned in cosmetic regulations globally.

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