Ingredient
Potassium Thioglycolate
A key active ingredient in chemical hair-removal products and a representative ingredient of the growing at-home depilatory / low-effort beauty trend. Its ability to chemically weaken hair keratin makes it fundamentally different from shaving and waxing.
A key active ingredient in chemical hair-removal products and a representative ingredient of the growing at-home depilatory / low-effort beauty trend. Its ability to chemically weaken hair keratin makes it fundamentally different from shaving and waxing.
Trend evidence
Established cosmetic active rather than a new 2026 ingredient. High database value because it represents the core chemical technology behind depilatory creams. CIR considers Potassium Thioglycolate safe in depilatories when formulated to be non-irritating under recommended conditions; SCCS states thioglycolic acid and its salts are safe for depilatory use up to 5% calculated as thioglycolic acid when used as intended.
What it does
Breaks disulfide bonds in hair keratin; weakens and dissolves unwanted hair; enables rapid chemical hair removal; also functions as a reducing agent in hair-waving and straightening products.
Notes
Biological / industrial source: Synthetic chemical compound; potassium salt of thioglycolic acid. Commercial cosmetic material is commonly supplied as an aqueous solution at approximately 40–45% concentration.
R&D / institution: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) / Thioglycolate safety assessment; SCCS has also evaluated thioglycolic acid and its salts for cosmetic depilatory use.
Developer / supplier: Bruno Bock; Merck KGaA; Suzhou Health Chemicals; other specialty chemical suppliers.
Origin: Global; commercial production and supply concentrated in China, Europe and the United States.
Representative product: Veet Professional 2 Minute Hair Removal Cream.
Approx. retail price: US$8–20 for consumer depilatory products containing Potassium Thioglycolate.
Evidence maturity: High.
Publishing notes: Established depilatory active. CIR/SCCS support safe use in depilatories when formulated and used as intended.
