ammoniumtioglykolaatti

Ammoniumtioglykolaatti is the ammonium salt of thioglycolic acid. It is a chemical compound with the formula HSCH₂COONH₄. This substance is primarily known for its use as a reducing agent. In particular, it is widely employed in the cosmetics industry as a key ingredient in depilatory creams and hair perms.

In depilatory creams, ammonium thioglycolate works by breaking the disulfide bonds in the keratin protein that makes up hair. This process weakens the hair structure, allowing it to be easily wiped away from the skin. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to cleave these bonds under alkaline conditions, which are typically created by the presence of ammonia in the formulation.

Similarly, in permanent wave solutions, ammonium thioglycolate is used to break the disulfide bonds in the hair's keratin. This allows the hair to be reshaped around curlers. A subsequent oxidizing agent is then applied to reform the disulfide bonds in the new shape, thus creating a perm. The concentration and pH of the solution are critical factors in controlling the extent of the chemical reaction and the resulting hair texture. Ammonium thioglycolate is also used in some leather processing applications and as a polymerization agent. It is important to handle this chemical with care due to its potential for skin and eye irritation.