Calcium thioglycolate

Calcium thioglycolate (CAS 814-71-1), also known commercially as Ebacream and Depil, is the calcium salt of thioglycolic acid used primarily as a depilatory active in personal care formulations. It breaks down the disulfide bonds in keratin, enabling effective hair removal without mechanical action. In depilatory creams and lotions, it is the functional ingredient that dissolves hair at the skin surface.

This allows hair to be wiped away cleanly. Formulators select it over ammonium thioglycolate in depilatory applications where a milder odor profile and lower alkalinity are preferred for sensitive skin products. It is also evaluated in professional salon and at-home hair removal formats, including rinse-off creams and gel systems targeting legs, underarms, and facial areas for various consumer demographics.

Some formulation chemists incorporate it into keratin-modifying treatments where controlled bond disruption is required. Calcium thioglycolate is supplied as a white to off-white powder or as an aqueous solution. The concentration varies by supplier specification. Technical and cosmetic-grade material is available, with cosmetic-grade product meeting purity requirements relevant to finished personal care applications.

Buyers typically source it in bulk bags or drums depending on production scale. This chemical remains a staple for manufacturers seeking reliable performance in the global hair removal market segment.