Common Name(s): Ammonium trichloroacetate,strong acid salt,keratolytic depilatory aid

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides potent keratolytic exfoliation of the stratum corneum and contributes to chemical depilatory action by weakening hair shaft protein disulfide crosslinks — significantly stronger activity per molar concentration than glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid.

Why It's Used: Trichloroacetate's extreme acid strength (pka 0.66 vs acetic acid 4.76) provides protein-denaturing keratolysis at concentrations where conventional ahas have minimal activity — enabling strong exfoliation in professional peel formulations.

How It Works: Trichloroacetate anion (ccl3coo-) denatures sc and hair shaft proteins through the trichloromethyl group's electrophilic reactivity with protein nucleophiles (amine, thiol groups) and direct proton-mediated disruption of keratin hydrogen bonds and disulfide crosslinks. the ammonium counter-ion provides slower acid release than free tca.

Typically Found In: Chemical peels,depilatories,exfoliants

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Concentration control critical: above 10% tca causes visible protein precipitation (skin frosting) rather than keratolysis alone. ammonium salt form provides slightly more controlled release than free acid enabling safer professional peel formulations.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,trichloroacetate keratolytic depilatory review