Potassium thioglycolate

Potassium thioglycolate (KTG, potassium mercaptoacetate, Kaliumthioglykolat) is the potassium salt of thioglycolic acid, supplied as a clear faintly pink aqueous solution under CAS 34452-51-2 and EC 252-038-4. It carries no E-code designation and is not classified as a food additive.

In depilatory and hair-waving formulations, KTG breaks disulfide bonds in keratin by reducing cystine linkages, enabling controlled restructuring of hair or skin protein. In textile and leather processing, it acts as a reducing and sequestering agent, facilitating fibre opening and removing metal ion interferences that would otherwise disrupt dyeing or tanning chemistry.

Potassium thioglycolate is supplied as an aqueous solution and is subject to REACH registration requirements within the European Economic Area. Procurement should confirm concentration grade and packaging format directly with the supplier, as these vary by application. HS code 29309099 applies for customs classification.