Thioglycolic acid and its salts (TGA)

WG on Cosmetic Ingredients
SCCS members: U. Bernauer, P.J. Coenraads (rapporteur), G. Degen, D. Gawkrodger, W. Lilienblum, A. Luch, E. Nielsen, T. Platzek, S.C. Rastogi (chairman), C. Rousselle, J. van Benthem
External experts: V. Rogiers, T. Sanner, I.R. White
Contact:SANTE-C2-SCCSec [dot] europa [dot] eu (SANTE-C2-SCCS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
On request from: European Commission
SCCS Number: SCCS/1520/13
Doi: 10.2772/71587
Adopted on: 11 November 2013

Conclusion of the opinion:

The SCCS is of the opinion that the use of thioglycolic acid (up to 5%) and its salts is safe for use as a depilatory when used as intended (i.e. use not daily and not on large surfaces). The SCCS is of the opinion that the general use (personal use by consumers at home) on eyelashes is not recommended because of eye irritation potential. However, it is safe up to 11% when applied by a professional for use on eyelashes. The safety of these types of cosmetic products highly depends on responsible risk management including warnings and extensive guidance for use.

Keywords:

SCCS, scientific opinion, cosmetic ingredients, depilatories, eyelashes, thioglycolic acid and its salts (TGA), Regulation 1223/2009, CAS 68-11-1, EC: 200-677-4

Opinion to be cited as:

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on thioglycolic acid and its salts (TGA), 11 November 2013, SCCS/1520/13.