Is Thioglycolic acid Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Thioglycolic acid is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Thioglycolic Acid. CAS 68-11-1.
Is Thioglycolic acid banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | perms, hair relaxers, depilatories |
| CAS number | 68-11-1 |
What is Thioglycolic acid?
Thioglycolic acid (Thioglycolic Acid) is a reducing agent in perms and hair removers.
Why is Thioglycolic acid used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Thioglycolic acid dangerous? Documented risks
A corrosive sensitizer; the EU strictly limits its concentration.
Products that may contain Thioglycolic acid
- perms
- hair relaxers
- depilatories
How to avoid Thioglycolic acid: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Thioglycolic acid
Is Thioglycolic acid banned in the EU?
Thioglycolic acid is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Thioglycolic acid in US cosmetics?
Yes — Thioglycolic acid can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Thioglycolic acid?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Thioglycolic acid automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Thioglycolic acid?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Thioglycolic acid.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Thioglycolic acid or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.