Sodium thioglycolate

Sodium thioglycolate (CAS 367-51-1, EC 206-696-4), also known as sodium mercaptoacetate, sodium thioglycollate, and thioglycolate de sodium, is an organosulfur salt supplied as a white solid. It carries no assigned E-code and is catalogued under HS code 29309070 within the Salts & Minerals category.

In personal care formulations, it functions as a reducing agent by cleaving disulfide bonds in keratin, enabling depilatory and hair-waving chemistry. In water treatment and leather processing, it acts as an antioxidant and metal-complexing agent, scavenging dissolved oxygen and stabilising process baths against oxidative degradation.

Sodium thioglycolate is available in technical and cosmetic grades, with supply subject to REACH registration requirements applicable to EU importers and downstream users. Standard packaging follows bulk and drum formats typical for water-soluble salts. Buyers should confirm grade specification against relevant regional cosmetic and industrial regulations prior to procurement.