Skip to main content

Glyceryl monothioglycolate allergy

What is glyceryl monothioglycolate and where can it be found?

Glyceryl monothioglycolate is a chemical used in perm (perm) solutions. The use of glyceryl monothioglycolate in permanent solutions was developed in the 1970s. Known as an acidic permanent, glyceryl monothioglycolate works by breaking disulfide bonds between polypeptide bonds in the curb (the structure of the protein) in the hair wrapped in rods. The heat is applied through a hair dryer and this activates the permanent process causing the links to re-form into a curl.

Glyceryl mesioglycolate does not contain ammonia, therefore this type of perm is not associated with the odor of alkaline perms. Also, acidic perms are gentler on hair, therefore they are more suitable for delicate or thinner hair.

What are the reactions to glyceryl monothioglycolate? allergy?

People who work with glyceryl monothioglycolate, such as hairdressers, may develop allergic contact dermatitis in your hands and fingers; patch tests generally reveal hypersensitivity to the chemical

Clients receiving perms that are sensitive to glyceryl monothioglycolate may also experience contact dermatitis on the neck, scalp, and ears. Often, exposure is much less intense and frequent than in hairdressers, therefore, allergy is less frequently found in clients. However, the chemical can remain active on the hair shafts for months, causing long-lasting dermatitis.

Am I allergic to glyceryl monothioglycolate?

The skin patch test is used to determine glyceryl monothioglycolate. sensitization. Hairdressers are also often sensitive to other chemicals used in hair cosmetics, such as paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is widely used in hair dyes.

Treatment of Glyceryl Monothioglycolate Dermatitis

Treatment of glyceryl monothioglycolate dermatitis on the hands and fingers can be treated like any acute dermatitis/eczema; this may include treatment with current corticosteroids and emollients.

What should I do to avoid dermatitis due to allergy to glyceryl monothioglycolate?

In cases of occupational exposure, the only way to prevent contact dermatitis is to avoid contact with glyceryl monothioglycolate. Unfortunately, wearing gloves provides little or no protection since patch testing through vinyl gloves showed positive results in hairdressers sensitized to glyceryl monothioglycolate.

your dermatologist You may have more specific advice, especially if you are very sensitive to glyceryl monothioglycolate.

Alternative names for glyceryl monothioglycolate

  • Glycerol monomercaptoacetate
  • Glyceryl thioglycolate
  • Glycerol monothioglycolate
  • Acid permanent waves
  • Permanent hot waves

More information

Formula: C5-H10-O4-S

CAS number: 30618-84-9