Calcium thioglycolate is primarily used in the cosmetic and personal care industry, particularly in hair removal products. It acts as a key active ingredient in depilatory creams and lotions, where it breaks down the disulfide bonds in keratin, the protein structure of hair. This process weakens the hair, making it easy to wipe or wash away without the need for shaving or waxing. Its effectiveness and relatively low irritation potential make it a popular choice for temporary hair removal solutions. Additionally, it is sometimes used in permanent wave formulations for hair styling, where it helps to reshape and set hair curls by altering the hair's protein structure.