Glyceryl monothioglycolate

Glyceryl monothioglycolate (CAS 30618-84-9, EC 250-264-8) is an organosulfur ester formed from glycerin and thioglycolic acid, also referenced under the names glyceryl thioglycolate and glycerol monothioglycolate. It carries no assigned E-code and is identified under EINECS 250-264-8 in European chemical inventories.

In permanent wave formulations, glyceryl monothioglycolate cleaves disulfide bonds in keratin at lower pH than ammonium thioglycolate, producing a more controlled and longer-lasting curl result. In textile and leather processing, it functions as a reducing agent and surface modifier, facilitating fiber opening and improving dye uptake or chemical penetration at the substrate level.

The substance is subject to REACH registration requirements for EU market supply and appears in cosmetic ingredient regulations under the relevant annexes of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Procurement enquiries should specify intended application and required purity grade, as specifications vary between cosmetic and industrial processing uses.