Thiolactic Acid
A thiol compound for waving and hair removal. It softens keratin in professional products. Use per directions.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Thiolactic Acid (INCI Thiolactic Acid) is a sulphur-containing compound with a reactive thiol group. It is used in professional hair chemistry: the ingredient breaks the disulphide bonds of keratin, which is how perming and hair-removal products do their work. In essence this is a functional reagent, not a skincare active. Its effect is real and chemically proven: keratin genuinely softens. But this is a controlled technical process, not nourishment or repair. Products with it are used strictly as directed and usually only briefly. During pregnancy and breastfeeding the topical use of a finished product is systemically negligible, so it can be used. Avoiding prolonged contact and the sharp odour is sensible, but there is no direct restriction. Tolerance in a correctly pH-balanced formula is reasonable, since the manufacturer balances the recipe. The irritation potential and allergy risk are rated low, although sulphur compounds can have an off-putting smell. For sensitive skin it is better to test the reaction in advance and not leave the product on too long.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thiolactic Acid safe during pregnancy?
Thiolactic Acid is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Thiolactic Acid for?
Thiolactic Acid suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Thiolactic Acid and what does it do in cosmetics?
A thiol compound for waving and hair removal.
What's the INCI name for Thiolactic Acid?
The INCI name is Thiolactic Acid.
See Thiolactic Acid in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Tin Oxide, Toluene, Toluene Sulfonic Acid, Triacetin, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Propane
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