Is Resorcinol Cosmetic safe in cosmetics?
Resorcinol Cosmetic has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Resorcinol Cosmetic
Also known as: 1,3-Benzenediol, 4-06-00-05658, Benzene, m-dihydroxy-, Benzene, 1,3-dihydroxy-, BRN 0906905 (+15 more)
INCI: RESORCINOL
Resorcinol Cosmetic (CAS 108-46-3) is a cosmetic colorant functioning as oxidative hair dye coupler; color developer. NOAEL 80 mg/kg bw/day (PDF-verified against ToxValDB ECHA IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 1.25% in oxidative hair dye formulations. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety, pharmaceutical, and food safety data.
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Resorcinol Cosmetic is classified GHS Danger (H302, H315, H317, H319, H370, H371, H400, H318) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 1.25% in oxidative hair dye formulations.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu status/eu max; Chemicals: ghs classifications.signal word/hazard statement code
Function
oxidative hair dye coupler; color developer
Editorial assessment
MODERATE
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Chemistry & Identifiers
IUPAC Name
benzene-1,3-diol
InChIKey
GHMLBKRAJCXXBS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
1.25% in oxidative hair dye formulations
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR Expert Panel assessed resorcinol as safe in cosmetics (1986, reaffirmed 2006); OTC drug status for some applications; coal-tar dye exemption applies in hair dye context; thyroid disruption risk at high chronic doses not considered relevant at typical cosmetic exposure levels.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Resorcinol Cosmetic.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Resorcinol Cosmetic. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | 55 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS DB |
| NOAEL | 100 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Carcinogenicity | COSMOS DB |
| NOAEL | 150 mg/kg bw/day | oral | mouse | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS DB |
| NOAEL | 260.7 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS DB |
| NOAEL | =4.57142857142857 mg/kg bw/day | - | Rat; Mouse | Subchronic toxicity | WHO/JECFA |
| NOAEL | =4.57142857142857 mg/kg bw/day | - | Rat; Mouse | Subchronic toxicity | WHO/JECFA |
| NOAEL | =5 mg/kg bw | - | Rat | Toxicology study | WHO/JECFA |
| NOAEL | =5 mg/kg bw | - | Rat | Toxicology study | WHO/JECFA |
| NOAEL | =5.14285714285714 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | Toxicology study | WHO/JECFA |
| NOAEL | =5.14285714285714 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | Toxicology study | WHO/JECFA |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the blood. This may result in the formation of methaemoglobin. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization in rare cases.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.
Pre-Calculated Safety Assessment
Conditional — safe only within SCCS limits: oxidative hair/eyelash <=1.25%; hair lotions/shampoos <=0.5%
Pre-calculated NOAEL → SED → MoS audit trail for Resorcinol Cosmetic across SCCS product categories, with measured dermal absorption where available.
SCCS NOAEL Values
NOAEL/LOAEL values cited in official SCCS opinions for Resorcinol Cosmetic.
| NOAEL | LOAEL | Route | Species | Study | DA% (SCCS) | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mg/kg/day | 250 mg/kg/day | Oral | Rat (Sprague-Dawley) | Subchronic (90-day) (13 weeks (daily gavage)) | 100 | SCCS/1619/20 (2021) |
| 27.5 mg/kg/day | 55 mg/kg/day | Oral | Rat (F344/N) | Short-term repeated dose (17-day) (17 days, 5 d/week gavage) | 100 | SCCS/1619/20 (2021) |
| 101 mg/kg/day | 304 mg/kg/day | Oral | Rat (Crl:CD(SD)) | Reproductive toxicity (2-generation) (Drinking water; F0 ~133 days + F1/F2 to PND21) | 100 | SCCS/1619/20 (2021) |
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Resorcinol Cosmetic based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
dye
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.5%
Cross-reactivity Group
para-amino-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
Source: IVDK; NACDG; ESSCA
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
3
Volume
15, Sup 7, 71
Evaluation Year
1998
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Danger
Pictograms
Harmful / IrritantHealth HazardEnvironmental Hazard
Hazard Class and Category
Acute Tox. 4; STOT SE 1; Skin Irrit. 2; Eye Irrit. 2; Skin Sens. 1B; Aquatic Acute 1
Hazard Statements
- H302 Harmful if swallowed
- H370 (nervous system)
- H315 Causes skin irritation
- H319 Causes serious eye irritation
- H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
- H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
Specific Concentration Limits / M-factors
oral: ATE = 500.0 mg/kg bw; M = 1
Inserted via ATP: ATP21
Sensitization AOP Dashboard
Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.
DPRA Cys %
0.3%
DPRA Lys %
6.15%
KeratinoSens IC50
2000 µM
hCLAT CV75
613.4 µg/mL
LLNA EC3
6.3%
NESIL
9310 µg/cm²
LLNA: Moderate (1B)
GHS: 1B
Human: positive
Source: LLNA: Basketter et al. (2007); DPRA: Gerberick et al. 2007 [DOI:10.1093/toxsci/kfm064] | Nukada et al. 2013 [DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2012.11.006]; KS: Natsch et al., 2013 & Urbisch et al., 2015 (lmax) | Emter et al. 2010 [DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2010.03.009]; hCLAT: Ashikaga et al. 2010 [DOI:10.1177/026119291003800403]; HPPT: [27] Kligman AM (1966): https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.1966.160
HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies
1 human repeat insult patch test aggregated from dermatological literature.
| Test Type | N | Sensitized | Dose µg/cm² | NESIL µg/cm² | Potency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMT | - | 0 | 9310.34 | - | - |
Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)
Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.
Suspected
Evidence: Moderate
(2019)
Health effects: Yes
Affected pathways: Thyroid, Estrogenic
Regulatory framework: Cosmetics
Source list: II
Cosmetic-Specific Mechanism
Category: other
Receptor targets: TR, ERα
LOEC: 10 µM
EU status: restricted (max 1.25% hair dye); ED classification proposed Jan 2025
antagonist (TR); agonist (ERα, weak)
Dose-Response Data Points
| Endpoint | Target | Value | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRb-mediated luciferase transcription (antagonist inhibition) | TR-beta | EC50/IC50: IC50 in low-mid uM range (see SCCS/1619/20); LOEC: 1-10 uM; NOEC: <=1 uM mixed | antagonist |
| TPO enzyme activity inhibition (iodide organification) | thyroid (TPO enzyme) | EC50/IC50: IC50 in uM-mM range (thyroidal iodide labeling effect); LOEC: 1 uM; NOEC: 0.1 uM mixed | inhibitor |
| Displacement of T4 from TTR transport protein | thyroid (TTR binding) | EC50/IC50: Inhibitory activity observed in quantitative binding assay; LOEC: ~10 uM; NOEC: ~1 uM mixed | inhibitor (binds TTR, displaces T4) |
SIN List ED: Endocrine Disruptor
Cosmetic relevance: direct
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
1,000 - 10,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
KR Korea MFDS Annex 2 (Restricted)
Category: Restricted. Max: 산화염모제에 2.0%.
SA Saudi SFDA (III - Restricted)
Product type: (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products (b) Products intended for colouring eyelashes (c) Hair lotions and shampoos. Max: (c) 0,5%.
JPKR Japan/Korea Cosmetics
Japan (Positive (Preservative)): max 0.10
Korea (Restricted): max 0.5
Japan (Restricted): max 0.10%
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
India: Restricted · max (c) 0,5%
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (10)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP | restricted | 0.10% | All cosmetics |
| CN | restricted | 0.5 | (a) Hair dye products (b) Hair lotions (c) Shampoos |
| CN | permitted_hair_dye | 0.5 | Oxidative hair dye products |
| IN | restricted | 1.25 | oxidative hair colour products (rinse-off) |
| IN | restricted | 0.5 | non-oxidative hair dye products and hair lotions |
| AU | restricted | - | hair dyes |
| GCC | banned | - | Oral/mucous membrane products |
| GCC | restricted | 1.25 | Oxidative hair dye products |
Expanded Dermal Absorption Data
Cross-database dermal penetration: EPA Dryad physics-based, Roberts Mendeley permeation, and SCCS-aggregated measured values.
EPA Dryad Skin Absorption (physics-based)
MW: 110.112
LogP: 0.800577
Kp epidermis: 0.0044 cm/h
% dose epidermis: 1.05%
% dose stratum corneum: 1.02%
% dose dermis: 0.97%
Source: EPA Dryad Skin Absorption 2024
Roberts Skin Permeation (Mendeley 2022)
MW: 110.1
Log Kow: 0.76
Log Kp: -3.6229133566428553
Log Jmax: -5.81
Source: Roberts Cheruvu Mendeley 2022
Aggregated DA Values (1 records across 5 sources)
| Type | DA % | Method | Skin Model | SCCS Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| measured_in_vitro | 1.44 | In vitro — flow-through diffusion cells | - | SCCS/1270/09; SCCS/1619/20 (2009) |
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Hair Color | 0.5–2 | 2 | CIR Safety Assessment |
PubChem Annotations
Safety and regulatory annotations from PubChem (NCBI) aggregated sources.
Safety (7)
Carcinogen Classification
3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (L135)
Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
Carcinogen Classification
Resorcinol | Group 3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans | Volume 15: (1977) Some Fumigants, the Herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, Chlorinated Dibenzodioxins and Miscellaneous Industrial Chemicals | Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print) | Volume 71: (1999) Re-evaluation…
Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Carcinogen Classification
Resorcinol | TR-403: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Resorcinol (CASRN 108-46-3) in F344 Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies) (1992 ) | 03/11/91 | No Evidence | No Evidence | No Evidence | No Evidence | Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of resorcinol in male F344/N rats given 112 or 225 mg/kg or female F344/N…
Source: NTP Technical Reports
Evidence for Carcinogenicity
Evaluation: No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of resorcinol were available. There is inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of resorcinol. Overall evaluation: Resorcinol is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3). | A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Endocrine Disruptors
Potential endocrine disrupting compound
Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
Regulatory (3)
JECFA Number
712
Source: WHO/JECFA
JECFA Evaluation
m-DIHYDROXYBENZENE | 2000 | No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent | TRS 901-JECFA 55/44 | FAS 46-JECFA 55/165
Source: WHO/JECFA
JECFA Evaluation
RESORCINOL | 2000 | No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent | TRS 901-JECFA 55/44 | FAS 46-JECFA 55/165
Source: WHO/JECFA
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Adhesion/cohesion promoter
Antioxidant
Biocide
Conductive agent
Deodorizer
Dye
Flame retardant
Flavouring and nutrient
Fragrance
Pharmaceutical
Regulatory List Membership (3)
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
EU CosIng Cosmetics Ingredient Database
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for Resorcinol Cosmetic — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Regulatory Flags
oxidative-dye
hair-dye-coupler
endocrine-disruptor
tpo-inhibitor
restricted
eaeu-2026-update
contact-sensitizer
thyroid-concern
ifra_fragrance
fda_food_additive
eu_cosing_listed
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Resorcinol Cosmetic by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
126
Lowest NOAEL
0.02
Highest NOAEL
520
Units vary across source rows: mg/kg bw, mg/kg bw/day, mg/kg bw/d
SCCS Opinion
WHO/JECFA
ECHA
COSMOS DB
Dermal Absorption
View details ->| Absorption % | Method | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 1.44 | In vitro — flow-through diffusion cells | Oxidative hair dye formulation |
Known Synonyms
1,3-Benzenediol
4-06-00-05658
Benzene, m-dihydroxy-
Benzene, 1,3-dihydroxy-
BRN 0906905
Caswell No. 723
Dihydroxybenzol
m-Dioxybenzene
EINECS 203-585-2
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 071401
FEMA No. 3589
3-Hydroxycyclohexadien-1-one
NCI-C05970
Phenol, m-hydroxy-
RCRA waste number U201
Resorcine
Resorcinolum
UNII-YUL4LO94HK
1,3-Dihydroxybenzol
Resorzin
Chemical Function
Antioxidant
Fragrance
Deodorizer
Dye
Pharmaceutical
Flame retardant
UV stabilizer
Stabilizing agent
Flavouring and nutrient
Regulatory Lists
Europe; Personal care; restricted
Europe
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
Australia; Food and drug - smoking-related products
Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
detected; Europe; Personal care - hair coloring - hair color - permanent
detected; Europe; Personal care - hair coloring - hair color - permanent
detected; Europe; Personal care - hair coloring - hair color - professional
detected; Europe; Personal care - hair coloring - hair color - professional
detected; Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
detected; Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
detected; Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
detected; Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
detected; Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical and food safety data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Compound
RESORCINOL
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL24147
Max Phase
-1
SOURCE
EFSA / FDA GRAS
food_additives
Food Safety Data
Same-CAS food additive or FDA GRAS records from the core public database.
Food Name
RESORCINOL
ADI
No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent mg/kg bw
Food Category
flavoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Resorcinol Cosmetic allowed in the EU?
Resorcinol Cosmetic EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 1.25% in oxidative hair dye formulations. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Resorcinol Cosmetic do in cosmetics?
Resorcinol Cosmetic functions as: oxidative hair dye coupler; color developer. It is classified as a Colorant in our database. CAS number: 108-46-3.
What is the NOAEL for Resorcinol Cosmetic?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Resorcinol Cosmetic is 55 mg/kg bw/day based on a Short Term Toxicity study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS DB.
Is Resorcinol Cosmetic used outside cosmetics?
Resorcinol Cosmetic also appears in industrial chemical safety, pharmaceutical, and food safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Resorcinol Cosmetic have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Resorcinol Cosmetic is classified GHS Danger (H302, H315, H317, H319, H370, H371, H400, H318) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 1.25% in oxidative hair dye formulations.
Compliance Tools
Check Resorcinol Cosmetic compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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