3-Mercapto-1,2-propanediol is a chemical that is used in cosmetics for several purposes. It can help remove hair, straighten or curl hair, exfoliate skin cells, and reduce the size of pores. It comes in a liquid form that is usually clear or slightly yellowish and can dissolve in water. However, it has a strong smell that some people may find unpleasant. Another name for this chemical is 3-sulfanylpropane-1,2-diol.
What is the purpose of 1-Thioglycerol in personal care products?
It is used for its depilatory, hair-waving and straightening
, keratolytic
, and reducing
characteristics.
1-Thioglycerol removes surface hair from your skin, straightens or waves your hair, eliminates dead surface-level skin cells, and stabilizes other ingredients.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: 1-Thioglycerol, Thioglycerin, 3-Sulfanylpropane-1,2-diol, and "1,2-Propanediol, 3-mercapto-".
1-Thioglycerol has depilatory characteristics.
Depilatory ingredients break down the keratin proteins that make up the hair shaft, which weakens the hair and makes it easier to remove. They are commonly found in hair removal creams, lotions, and other cosmetic products.
Depilatory ingredients only remove hair from the skin's surface, so they may not be as sufficient as waxing to remove coarse hair or hair with deeper roots.
1-Thioglycerol 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.
1-Thioglycerol 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.
1-Thioglycerol 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.
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.