Skip to main content
CosIng Checker
CosIng Checker
EU cosmetic ingredients, restrictions and safety
Login
InventoryRef 7946104/03/2019

RESORCINOL

Resorcinol (CI 76505)

RESORCINOL is linked to 1 EU annex record on this page. Inventory note: III/22.

INCI CheckerCompare all markets Search similar

Regulatory evidence by market

This matrix separates verified ingredient rules from sources that are mapped but not yet imported. No imported rule does not mean the ingredient is permitted.

Compare markets

Swipe or scroll horizontally to see every column.

MarketEvidence statusRecordsSource language
European UnionEvidence linked
Restricted entry found
Open this evidence		1English and EU languages
Great BritainEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English
CanadaEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English and French
New ZealandEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English
ASEANEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English and national languages
ChinaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Chinese with selected English material
JapanSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Japanese; official English translation available
South KoreaEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1Korean with some English names
United StatesSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
AustraliaEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English
BrazilSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Portuguese with INCI crosswalks
IndiaEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1English and Hindi
Saudi ArabiaEvidence linked
Restricted
Open this evidence		1Arabic and English

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.

Inventory details for RESORCINOL

INCI name

RESORCINOL

Description

Resorcinol (CI 76505)

Record provenance

Inventory reference
79461
Imported identity
RESORCINOL
Source update
04/03/2019
European Commission CosIng source notes
Annex III Restriction reference
Entry 22

RESORCINOL

CAS: 108-46-3
EC: 203-585-2

Key data

CAS
108-46-3
EC
203-585-2
Restriction
III/22
Function
ANTIOXIDANT
Inhibiting reactions promoted by oxygen, thus avoiding oxidation and rancidity.
DENATURANT
Rendering cosmetics unpalatable. Mostly added to cosmetics containing ethyl alcohol to make it unsuitable for ingestion.
HAIR DYEING
Imparting color to hair. Hair dyeing preparations may be temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent, depending on the length of time the colorant remains on the hair.
PERFUMING
Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials.

Official EU ingredient-name evidence

The ingredient name exactly matches the official 2025 EU glossary of common ingredient names.

#24110 · RESORCINOL

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

POLYSORBATE 80DENATURANT, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
QUASSIA AMARA WOOD EXTRACTDENATURANT, SKIN CONDITIONING, TONIC
QUASSINDENATURANT
QUININEDENATURANT, FRAGRANCE, HAIR CONDITIONING
SODIUM 3-MERCAPTOPROPANE SULFONATEDENATURANT, HAIR CONDITIONING, pH ADJUSTERS, SURFACE MODIFIER
SODIUM HYDROXIDEBUFFERING, DENATURANT
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATECLEANSING, DENATURANT, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
SODIUM MENTHYL SUCCINATEASTRINGENT, DENATURANT, FLAVOURING, ORAL CARE

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

Each link searches that source for this identity. What each source is, and its legal weight

ECHA CHEM / Information on chemicalsPubChem PUG RESTEU Safety Gate cosmetic product alertsECHA CHEMUS EPA CompToxCosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessmentsFDA Global Substance Registration SystemILO/WHO International Chemical Safety CardsJapan NITE-CHRIPNIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical HazardsOECD eChemPortal

How RESORCINOL appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists RESORCINOL as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 1 annex record. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex record shows where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

RESORCINOL is also tagged with 4 cosmetic functions in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

RESORCINOL appears in the EU CosIng inventory and has linked annex records. Check the annex records above for applicable restrictions, concentration limits and conditions of use. Annex II listing means prohibited; Annex III means restricted; Annexes IV, V and VI mean permitted under specified conditions.

The restriction field for RESORCINOL reads: "III/22". This is the restriction note recorded in the CosIng inventory for this ingredient. For authoritative conditions and limits, always refer to the linked annex entries above.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, RESORCINOL carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 108-46-3 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.
View CAS records

Use the INCI Checker to screen a full ingredient list across selected markets, or compare this substance across all supported market datasets.
Open INCI Checker

Source note for RESORCINOL

This page combines the CosIng inventory entry for RESORCINOL with 1 linked Annex II–VI record from the local dataset built from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials.

Use this inventory page to research RESORCINOL and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

View sourcesView updates

Tools & next steps

Check your formula

Scan a full INCI list to detect RESORCINOL and any linked EU annex restrictions or allergen flags.

INCI Checker

Search similar ingredients

Find other inventory ingredients and annex entries related to RESORCINOL, its identifiers or nearby name variants.

Search