This invention relates to a topical composition for treating amino acid based substrates comprising a protected thiol compound having the formula R—(S—Pr)m where R is a functional group, S is sulfur, and Pr is a heterocyclic protecting group, and m is an integer between 1 and 100. The invention further relates to systems which comprise this protected thiol compound and an activating mechanism. The protected thiol compounds of the present invention may be used in hair care compositions, textile care compositions, cosmetic compositions, oral care compositions, skin care, nail care, laundry care, acne care and animal care compositions. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a silicone composition and method for making. The composition comprises a polysiloxane or silicone resin, at least one linker, and at least one molecular hook.