Glyceryl monothioglycolate

Glyceryl monothioglycolate (CAS 30618-84-9), also known as glycerol monomercaptoacetate, is a thiol-functional ester used as a reducing agent and surface-modifying ingredient across personal care and industrial processing applications. Its free sulfhydryl group enables controlled disulfide bond cleavage, making it the active component in permanent wave and hair relaxer formulations as well as fiber and substrate treatment processes.

In professional and retail hair care, it is the primary active in acid-wave permanent waving systems, where it breaks and reforms keratin disulfide bonds to reshape hair structure. Textile processors apply it to wool and protein fibers to improve dye uptake and surface uniformity during wet finishing. In leather processing, it functions as a depilatory and fiber-opening agent.

This chemical supports consistent hide preparation ahead of tanning. Paper and specialty substrate treatments use it to modify surface chemistry for improved adhesion or coating receptivity. Glyceryl monothioglycolate is supplied as a liquid, typically in aqueous solution at defined active concentrations. Technical and cosmetic-grade material is available for various industrial needs.

Cosmetic-grade product is manufactured to purity specifications suitable for inclusion in regulated personal care formulations. Buyers should confirm active assay and stabilizer content before purchase. The compound is sensitive to oxidation during storage, requiring careful handling. Proper documentation ensures the material meets the necessary performance requirements for specialized chemical manufacturing.