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Annex III Entry 22 11/11/2022

RESORCINOL

1,3-benzenediol

RESORCINOL is listed in Annex III and may only be used under the conditions shown in this record. Maximum concentration in this record: (c) 0,5%.

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Restricted substance— Annex III, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Max conc.: (c) 0,5%
Entry: 22

Reading this entry

Resorcinol is permitted in oxidative hair dyes, eyelash colourants and hair lotions, and the hair-dye limit is not the concentration in the bottle — it is the concentration after mixing.

  • Oxidative hair dyes and eyelash colourants: after mixing, no more than 1.25% applied to hair or eyelashes.
  • Hair lotions and shampoos: 0.5%.
  • Eyelash colouring is professional use only.
  • Hair-dye packs must carry the mixing ratio and the standard allergy warning, including that the product is not for anyone under 16.

Oxidative hair dye is sold as two parts that the user combines, and this entry sets its limit on the result. No more than 1.25% resorcinol may be present in what is actually applied to the hair or eyelashes after mixing. A colourant base at a higher concentration is not automatically outside the entry; what matters is the ratio it is mixed at, which is why the pack is required to state that ratio.

Hair lotions and shampoos are a separate case at 0.5%, measured conventionally, because nothing is mixed before use.

Eyelash colouring is restricted to professional use. The warning text for hair colourants is prescribed and long — it covers severe allergic reactions, following the instructions, not using the product on anyone under 16, and the risk associated with temporary black henna tattoos — and it is required wording rather than a summary a brand may rewrite.

Checked against

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 108-46-3
CAS 108-46-3PubChem CID 5054

Resorcinol

Resorcinol is a benzenediol that is benzene dihydroxylated at positions 1 and 3. It has a role as a sensitiser and an erythropoietin inhibitor. It is a phenolic donor, a benzenediol and a member of resorcinols. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
benzene-1,3-diol
Molecular formula
C6H6O2
Molecular weight
110.11 g/mol
Exact mass
110.036779430 Da
XLogP3
0.8
Topological polar surface area
40.5 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
2
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

1,3-Benzenediol1,3-DihydroxybenzeneResorcinm-Hydroxyphenolm-Hydroquinonem-Dihydroxybenzene3-HydroxyphenolResorcine
16 more reported names
m-Benzenediolm-DioxybenzenePelagol RSDihydroxybenzolPelagol Grey RSResorzinDeveloper ODeveloper RDeveloper RSFouramine RSFourrine EWResorcinolumFourrine 79Nako TGGDurafur developer GC.I. Oxidation Base 31
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match5054

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 153 (Resorcinol): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Water wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and wash the skin with water. If symptoms occur after washing, get medical attention immediately.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P272, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (> 99.9%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315 (> 99.9%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317 (15.2%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (90.6%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H370 (15.1%): Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H371 (11.2%): May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H400 (99.9%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P272, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 2727 reports by companies from 51 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264+P265, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P321, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • NFPA Health Rating: 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Resorcinol is a white crystalline compound with a faint odor and bitter-sweet taste. It exists in at least two crystalline modifications. Crystalline resorcinol turns pale red in the presence of light and air and is hygroscopic. It is miscible in water. It is used in tanning, photography; manufacture of resins, resin adhesives, hexylresorcinol, p-aminosalicylic acid, explosives, dyes, tires, rubber products; in cosmetics; dyeing and printing textiles; and as a reagent for zinc. It is not registered for current pesticide use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses. Resorcinol is also a medication, used as an antifungal, antibacterial, mildly keratolytic and local irritant agent. It is a pharmaceutical agent used topically in dermatological treatments such as acne and related skin conditions. It could also be used in combination with the other acne treatment agents such as sulphur. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: An application of 3-25% solution of resorcinol to skin may cause redness, itching, dermatitis, edema or corrosion of affected area. Potenti Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for resorcinol(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.80(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc value of 10.36(2) indicates that resorcinol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa1 of resorcinol is 9.30(3), indicating that this compound will exist partially in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of resorcinol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.9X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 4.89X10-4 mm Hg(5), and water solubility, 7.17X10+5 mg/L(6). Resorcinol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(5). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 100% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(7) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc value of 10.36(2) indicates that resorcinol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.9X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 4.89X10-4 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 7.17X10+5 mg/L(5). As a class, phenols react relatively rapidly in sunlit natural water via reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals and peroxy radicals(6). According to a classification scheme(7), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of 0.80(8) and a regression-derived equation(9), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 100% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(10) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), resorcinol, which has a vapor pressure of 4.89X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase resorcinol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1 hour(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.0X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). The vapor-phase reaction of resorcinol with nitrate radicals may be an important atmospheric removal process in urban areas at night(4). Particulate-phase resorcinol may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). As a class, phenols react relatively rapidly in sunlit natural water via reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals and peroxy radicals(5). Therefore, resorcinol may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Dye; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Other; Binder; Polymerization promoter; Monomers Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Resorcinol Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used in tanning, photography, tire building, and in the manufacturing of resorcinol-formaldehyde resins; also used in dyes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, skin creams, laminates, and adhesives; [ACGIH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry]; Photographic Processing [Category: Other]; Dressing Hair [Category: Other] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For resorcinol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 071401) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: In tanning, photography; manuf of resins, resin adhesives, hexylresorcinol, p-aminosalicylic acid, explosives, dyes, tires, rubber products; in cosmetics; dyeing and printing textiles; as a reagent for zinc. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Used primarily in the rubber industry for tires & reinforced rubber products (conveyer belts, driving belts) & in high-quality wood adhesives ... It is also used in the preparation of dyes & pharmaceuticals, as a cross-linking agent for neoprene & a rubber tackifier, & in cosmetics. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Chemical intermediate for production of m-aminophenol, production of light stabilizers for plastics, production of sunscreen preparations for the skin, production of dyes (fluorescein, eosin), manufacture of special pharmaceuticals (e.g. acne preparations) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for RESORCINOL (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: 1,3-Benzenediol is found in alcoholic beverages. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Maximum concentration

(c) 0,5%

Product type

Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products Products intended for colouring eyelashes Hair lotions and shampoos

Other restrictions

(For (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyeslashes must not exceed 1,25 %
(b) Professional use only

Warnings

(a) To be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. “ Hair colorants can cause severe allergic reactions.
Read and follow instructions. This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16. Temporary ‘black henna’ tattoos may increase your risk of allergy. Do not colour your hair if: — you have a rash on your face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp, — you have ever experienced any reaction after colouring your hair, — you have experienced a reaction to a temporary ‘black henna’ tattoo in the past. Contains resorcinol. Rinse hair well after application. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them.‘Do not use to dye eyelashes.
(b) To be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. “For professional use only. Contains resorcinol. This product can cause severe allergic reactions. Read and follow instructions.This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16. Temporary ‘black henna’ tattoos may increase the risk of allergy. Eyelashes shall not be coloured if the consumer: — has a rash on the face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp, — has experienced any reaction after colouring hair or eyelashes, — has experienced a reaction to a temporary ‘black henna’ tattoo in the past. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them.”
(c) Contains resorcinol.’

INCI glossary name

RESORCINOL

Chemical name

1,3-benzenediol

Chemical / IUPAC name

1,3-benzenediol

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2013/1197

See every entry this act set

SCCS opinions

Identified ingredients

Key data

CAS
108-46-3
EC
203-585-2
Annex
III
Entry number
22

Inventory links for RESORCINOL

Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 79461

RESORCINOL

CAS: 108-46-3
EC: 203-585-2
Annex III 16
Shared product type

1-NAPHTHOL

CAS: 90-15-3
EC: 201-969-4
Annex III 16
Shared product type

1-Naphthol

CAS: 90-15-3
EC: 201-969-4
Annex III 193
Shared product type

ACID RED 52

CAS: 3520-42-1
EC: 222-529-8

What Annex III means for RESORCINOL

RESORCINOL is a restricted substance under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Its use in cosmetics is only permitted under the specific conditions set out in the entry above, including applicable concentration limits, product type restrictions and required warning statements.

When including this substance in a formulation, all conditions — maximum concentration, product scope and warning labels — must be met simultaneously. Compliance with one condition does not override the others.

This record is linked to 3 CosIng inventory ingredients for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Ensure formulation concentration does not exceed: (c) 0,5%
  • Confirm product type compatibility: (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products (b) Products intended for colouring eyelashes (c) Hair lotions and shampoos
  • Include required warning statement on product label.
  • Document conditions of use in the Product Information File (PIF).

Frequently asked questions

RESORCINOL is listed in Annex III of EU Regulation 1223/2009 as a restricted substance. It may only be used under the conditions specified in the entry, including any maximum concentration, product type limitation and required warning statements shown above.

CAS 108-46-3 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to RESORCINOL by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

The maximum concentration of (c) 0,5% applies to the concentration of the substance in the ready-to-use cosmetic product. When the substance is supplied as part of a blend or mixture, the calculation must account for the contribution of all sources in the formulation. The combined concentration must not exceed the stated limit.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex III record RESORCINOL

This page summarizes one Annex III record for RESORCINOL from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex III conditions for RESORCINOL, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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