What Is Glycerol monomercaptoacetate?
Glyceryl monothioglycolate is a liquid substance that has a mild sulfur-like smell. It is commonly used in hair products for waving or straightening hair. It is made by combining glycerol and thioglycolic acid. However, it can cause allergies in some people, especially in hairdressers who frequently use products with this ingredient. Therefore, they must avoid using acidic permanent wave solutions that contain Glyceryl monothioglycolate.
What is the purpose of Glycerol monomercaptoacetate in personal care products?
It is used for its hair-waving and straightening
characteristics.
Glycerol monomercaptoacetate straightens or waves your hair.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Glycerol monomercaptoacetate, Glycerin monothioglycolate, Glyceryl Thioglycolate, "Acetic acid, mercapto-, ester with glycerol", "Acetic acid, mercapto-, monoester with 1,2,3-propanetriol", "Mercaptoessigsaure, Monoester mit Propan-1,2,3-triol", and EC 250-264-8.
What Are Hair-Waving and Straightening Ingredients?
Glycerol monomercaptoacetate has hair-waving and straightening characteristics.
Hair-waving and straightening ingredients change the texture of your hair and work by modifying the chemical structure of the hair, allowing it to be set in the style required.
Hair-waving products contain a chemical that breaks down the bonds that hold the hair in its current shape. Once these bonds are broken, the hair can be set in a new shape using rollers or other styling tools. Once the hair has been set, a neutralizing agent is applied, which reforms the broken bonds and sets the hair in its new shape.
On the other hand, hair straightening products break down the protein bonds in the hair and then re-form them in a straight pattern. This process usually involves a straightening iron or other heat sources to help set the hair in the desired shape. The results of hair straightening products can last up to several months, depending on how well the hair is cared for after the treatment.
The chemical ingredients in these products can vary, but many contain ammonium thioglycolate, which is used to break down the bonds in the hair for waving. For straightening, sodium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide is often used to break down the protein bonds in the hair.
Safety
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.