Pure Thioglycolic acid is a colorless transparent liquid, while industrial products are colorless to slightly yellow and have a strong pungent odor. Can be miscible with water, ethanol, and ether.
Thioglycolic acid is toxic and easily absorbed by the skin and respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as skin damage and allergies, and even affecting body metabolism. Long term exposure can cause damage to various tissues and organs, and has strong mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity.