Product Name | |
| CAS | 126-97-6 |
Quality Standard | Standard |
Product Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
Place of Origin | China |
Dangerous Goods | No |
Ethanolamine Thioglycolate (ETA), chemically named 2-hydroxyethylammonium thioglycolate, is an organic salt formed by the neutralization reaction of thioglycolic acid and monoethanolamine. It typically appears as a colorless to pale yellow transparent viscous liquid with a slight characteristic odor, and is highly soluble in water and polar solvents such as ethanol.
As a key thiol-containing compound, ethanolamine thioglycolate possesses excellent reducing properties—it can break the disulfide bonds in keratin proteins. This unique characteristic makes it a core functional ingredient in the cosmetics industry, especially in hair care products. Additionally, it has good chelating ability and compatibility with anionic, non-ionic surfactants, and other cosmetic additives, and remains stable under weakly alkaline conditions (pH 8–9).
The most widespread use of ethanolamine thioglycolate is in permanent hair waving (perm) and hair straightening products.
- Permanent Hair Waving: In alkaline perm solutions, ETA acts as the primary reducing agent. It penetrates the hair cortex, breaks the disulfide bonds (-S-S-) between keratin molecules, allowing the hair shaft to be reshaped into the desired curl pattern. After reshaping, an oxidizing agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) is applied to reform new disulfide bonds, locking the hair in its new shape permanently.
- Hair Straightening Products: In alkaline hair straighteners, it functions similarly to break the disulfide bonds in curly or wavy hair, enabling the hair to be straightened and fixed in a smooth, sleek state after neutralization.
- Advantages: Compared with traditional thioglycolic acid, ethanolamine thioglycolate is milder to the scalp and hair, reducing irritation and damage to the hair cuticle, while maintaining efficient reducing performance.
- Depilatory Creams/Lotions: ETA serves as a gentle depilatory agent in hair removal products. It breaks the disulfide bonds in the keratin of body hair, weakening the hair structure and allowing the hair to be easily wiped or rinsed off without mechanical pulling (which can cause skin irritation). It is often formulated into depilatory products for sensitive skin due to its milder nature.
- Keratin Softening Products: In some foot care products (e.g., callus softeners), it helps break down the disulfide bonds in thick, hardened keratin on the feet, softening calluses and corns for easier removal.
- Metal Surface Treatment: ETA acts as a chelating agent and metal cleaner. It can form stable complexes with heavy metal ions (e.g., copper, iron, zinc), which is used in metal pickling solutions to remove oxide scales and prevent metal surface passivation. It is also applied in electroplating processes to improve the uniformity and adhesion of plating layers.
- Textile Industry: As a textile auxiliary, it is used in wool shrink-proof finishing. It modifies the surface keratin of wool fibers, reducing the friction between fibers and preventing felting shrinkage of wool fabrics during washing.
- Chemical Synthesis Intermediate: It serves as a precursor in the synthesis of other thiol-containing organic compounds, which are further used in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and polymer materials.
- pH Dependence: ETA exerts its reducing effect optimally under weakly alkaline conditions (pH 8–9). In acidic environments, its activity decreases significantly, while strong alkalinity may cause excessive damage to keratin (e.g., hair fiber breakage).
- Skin and Eye Irritation: Concentrated ETA solutions may irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It is recommended to wear gloves, goggles, and a face mask during industrial operations or product formulation. If contact occurs, rinse the affected area with plenty of water immediately.
- Storage Requirements: Store ETA in a sealed, cool, and well-ventilated container, away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and oxidizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, chlorine-containing compounds) to prevent oxidation and degradation.
- Cosmetic Regulatory Compliance: In hair care and depilatory products, the concentration of ETA is strictly regulated by national cosmetic standards (e.g., typically ≤12% in perm solutions) to ensure user safety.
Product Introduction