Methyl Thioglycolate

AKA: 2365-48-2, Methyl mercaptoacetate, Methyl 2-mercaptoacetate, Thioglycolic acid methyl ester, Methylthioglycolate, Acetic acid, Methyl ester, Methanethiol, Methylmercaptoacetate
Synthetic
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from thioglycolic acid and methanol through esterification reactions in chemical synthesis. Produced by combining these compounds under controlled conditions to form the methyl ester derivative.
Based on the available data, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that ... Methyl Thioglycolate is safe for use in hair straighteners, permanent waves, tonics, dressings, and so forth, wave sets, other non-coloring hair products, and hair dyes and colors, as described in this safety assessment, at concentrations up to 15.2% (as Thioglycolic Acid). Hairdressers should avoid skin contact and minimize consumer skin exposure.
Formula
C3H6O2S
Mol. Weight
106.15
CAS #
2365-48-2
Form
Liquid
State
Colorless liquid with a stench; [MSDSonline]
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Hair Waving Or Straightening
Anti-Aging Benefits
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Changes hair texture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2009
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU✔ permitted
JAPAN✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR