Ammonium thioglycolate solution is widely used in the cosmetic industry, particularly in hair care products. It serves as the active ingredient in hair perming and straightening treatments. The solution works by breaking the disulfide bonds in keratin, the protein structure of hair, allowing it to be reshaped into curls or straightened. Once the desired shape is achieved, a neutralizer is applied to reform the bonds, setting the new hairstyle. Additionally, it is used in some depilatory creams to weaken hair proteins, making it easier to remove unwanted hair. It is also employed in the leather tanning process to soften and enhance the flexibility of leather. Its effectiveness in altering protein structures makes it a key component in professional and at-home hair treatment products as well as other specialized applications.