What Is 2-Thiosalicylic acid?

Learn about the antioxidant, keratolytic, and reducing characteristics of 2-Thiosalicylic acid and its usage in personal care products.

What Is 2-Thiosalicylic acid? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is 2-Thiosalicylic acid?

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Thiosalicylic acid is a yellow powder that can dissolve in water. It is sometimes called by other names like 2-mercaptobenzoic acid or 2-sulfanylbenzoic acid. When used in cosmetics, it can act as an antioxidant, which helps protect the skin from damage caused by things like pollution and UV rays. It also has a keratolytic function, which means it can help exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal smoother, healthier-looking skin. Additionally, thiosalicylic acid has a reducing function, which means it can help reduce the appearance of blemishes or redness on the skin. However, this substance is only slightly soluble in hot water.

What is the purpose of 2-Thiosalicylic acid in personal care products? It is used for its antioxidant, keratolytic, and reducing characteristics. 2-Thiosalicylic acid prevents oxidation, eliminates dead surface-level skin cells, and stabilizes other ingredients.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: 2-Thiosalicylic acid, 2-Sulfanylbenzoic acid, and "Benzoic acid, 2-mercapto-".

What Are Antioxidant Ingredients?

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2-Thiosalicylic acid has antioxidant characteristics.

Antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules caused by pollution, UV radiation, and stress that can damage skin cells. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and redness. Antioxidant ingredients are also used in skincare products to keep skin healthy and youthful, extend the shelf life of food and beverages, and prevent the breakdown of active ingredients in medications.

Types of Antioxidants Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of antioxidants ingredients in cosmetics and other products:

  • Vitamins: Certain vitamins, such as vitamins C, E, and A (retinol), are known for their antioxidant properties.

  • Botanical extracts: Many plants contain natural antioxidants that can be extracted and used in cosmetics. Examples include green tea, grape seed, pomegranate, and chamomile.

  • Peptides: Certain peptides, such as glutathione, can have antioxidant properties and may be used in cosmetics.

  • Carotenoids: Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that have antioxidant properties. Some examples include lycopene, beta-carotene, and astaxanthin.

What Are Keratolytic Ingredients?

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2-Thiosalicylic acid has keratolytic characteristics.

Keratolytic ingredients are commonly found in cosmetic products like creams, lotions, and exfoliating scrubs. These ingredients have a unique ability to help eliminate dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of our skin.

The stratum corneum (surface layer of skin) contains dead skin cells that provide a protective barrier. Over time, these dead cells can build up and cause our skin to look dull and rough. Keratolytic ingredients break down the bonds holding dead skin cells together. When these bonds are weakened, the dead cells are more easily shed from the skin's surface. This process helps to reveal smoother, brighter skin and can also help to unclog pores, preventing breakouts.

Some common keratolytic ingredients in cosmetic products include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, and enzymes like papain and bromelain.

What Are Reducing Ingredients?

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2-Thiosalicylic acid has reducing characteristics.

Reducing ingredients play an essential role in cosmetic products. These ingredients work by changing the chemical nature of other ingredients present in the formula. They do this by adding hydrogen atoms or removing oxygen atoms from the molecules of those ingredients. This process is known as reduction, and it alters the chemical properties of the ingredients, making them more stable and effective in the final product.

Reducing ingredients are commonly used in cosmetic products to prevent oxidation, which can cause products to spoil or become ineffective. They can also improve the texture and appearance of the product, and in some cases, they can even increase the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Reducing ingredients are used in cosmetic products and have various applications in other industries. For example, they are used in the food industry to prevent oxidation and maintain the quality and shelf life of products such as fruits, vegetables, and beverages. In the pharmaceutical industry, reducing agents are used to improve the stability and efficacy of certain drugs.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.