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ProhibitedBinding ruleGBOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Pyrocatechol (Catechol)

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex II.

All Great Britain recordsOpen ingredient profileCompare all marketsOpen official source

Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Prohibited
Legal role
Binding rule
Regulatory summary
The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex II.
Conditions and restrictions
A prohibition entry may contain no separate condition text because the regulatory outcome is the prohibition itself. Open the cited source and apply the market-wide requirements below.

Substance identity

Official source name
Pyrocatechol (Catechol)
CAS
120-80-9
EC
204-427-5
Identity mapping
cas_number
Linked ingredient
PYROCATECHOL
Search this identity across the siteCAS 120-80-9EC 204-427-5

Linked CosIng identity data

Names and aliases

PYROCATECHOL

CosIng description: 1,2-Benzenediol

EU inventory restriction note: II/408

Recorded cosmetic function: HAIR DYEING

Function pages:HAIR DYEING

View the complete ingredient profile

Cross-market snapshot for this identity

Exact linked records currently present in this site. An absent market means no imported exact match, not permission to use the substance.

10 market datasets
PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 120-80-9
CAS 120-80-9PubChem CID 289

Verified chemistry for CAS 120-80-9

Catechol

Catechol is a benzenediol comprising of a benzene core carrying two hydroxy substituents ortho to each other. It has a role as a genotoxin, an allelochemical and a plant metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a catecholate(1-). — ChEBI

IUPAC name
benzene-1,2-diol
Molecular formula
C6H6O2
Molecular weight
110.11 g/mol
Exact mass
110.036779430 Da
Monoisotopic mass
110.036779430 Da
XLogP3
0.9
Topological polar surface area
40.5 Ų
Molecular complexity
62.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
2
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
8
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

pyrocatechol1,2-dihydroxybenzene1,2-benzenediolpyrocatechin2-hydroxyphenolo-Dihydroxybenzeneo-Hydroxyphenolo-Benzenediol
16 more reported names
o-Dioxybenzeneo-HydroquinonePhthalhydroquinonePyrocatechineo-PhenylenediolOxyphenic acidFouramine PCHPelagol Grey CDurafur developer CCatechin (phenol)Fourrine 68Benzene, o-dihydroxy-Catechol (phenol)o-DiphenolC.I. Oxidation Base 26ortho-Hydroxyphenol
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D pharmacophore features
3
3D rings
1
3D hydrophobes
0
3D acceptor features
0
3D donor features
2
3D anionic centres
0
3D cationic centres
0
3D conformers
1
Effective 3D rotors
0.0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
C1=CC=C(C(=C1)O)O
InChI
InChI=1S/C6H6O2/c7-5-3-1-2-4-6(5)8/h1-4,7-8H
InChIKey
YCIMNLLNPGFGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match289

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. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; 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. Whene Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • 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: H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P316, P318, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, 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: H301 (16.4%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H302 (83.6%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H311 (16.4%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H312 (83.6%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H315 (> 99.9%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317 (12.6%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (94.6%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H341 (16.4%): Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]; H350 (11.4%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P272, P280, P301+P316, P301+P317, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P316, P317, P318, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, 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 2962 reports by companies from 34 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: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H317 (100%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H412 (100%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P321, P333+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: The GHS information provided by 1 company from 1 notification to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (100%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H412 (100%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • 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 Conclusion: The CIR Expert Panel concludes that Pyrocatechol is unsafe for use in leave-on products, and that the available data are insufficient to support the safety of Pyrocatechol as used in hair dyes. Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): The ingredient is unsafe for use in cosmetics; Ingredients for which the data are insufficient and their use in cosmetics is not supported Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Catechol is a tablet or colorless crystal, prism or aqueous solution, which discolors to brown on exposure to air and light. It has a faint characteristic odor. It is used as antioxidant in the rubber, chemical, photographic, dye, fat, and oil industries. It was formerly used as an antiseptic. Catechol was found unsafe for use in cosmetics. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Catechol contact with the skin has been known to cause an eczematous dermatitis. It is highly irritating upon direct contact; severe eye and deep skin burns result. Well absorbed by skin. Systemic toxicity similar to that of phenol however, catechol may be more likely to cause convulsions and hypertension. At high doses, renal and liver injury may occur. Absorption through the skin, in a few instances, has resulted in symptoms of illness resembling closely those induced by phenol, except for certain central effects (convulsions) that were more marked. Death apparently is initiated by respiratory failure. Catechol was found to be a more harmful toxin than phenol in human blood cells in vitro, since it provokes statistically significant changes in the function of erythrocytes even at low doses. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for catechol(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.88(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 118(2), indicates that catechol is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of catechol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.2X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 3.66X10-3 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 4.61X10+5 mg/L(4). Catechol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). The percent biodegradation after 6 months in various loam soils ranged from 24 to 50%(5), indicating that biodegradation is a moderate 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 118(2), indicates that catechol 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 1.20X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 3.66X10-3 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 4.61X10+5 mg/L(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of 0.88(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 83% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(9) 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), catechol, which has a vapor pressure of 3.66X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase catechol 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 2.8 hrs(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.04X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Catechol in its nonionized form will not be subject to direct photolysis since this form does not absorb light above 300 nm in methanol solution(4). Reaction of catechol with nitrate radicals during nighttime may be an important removal process based on a rate constant of 3.8X10-12 cu cm/molecule sec for the reaction of phenol with nitrate radicals(2) which corresponds to a half-life of 15 minutes at an atmospheric concentration of 2X10+8 nitrate radicals per cu cm(SRC). The ionized form of catechol may photolyze based on an absorption maximum at 313 nm in basic aqueous solution(6) and at 289 nm in basic methanol solution(4). Therefore, catechol may be susceptible Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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.

Official source and provenance

Registered source
Great Britain Cosmetics Regulation — consolidated Annexes II–VI and amendments
Source reference
GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II, entry 408
Source record ID
II-408
Source version
2026-08-15
Source language
English
Translation status
Original is English
Effective date
2026-08-15
Source updated
2026-08-19
Snapshot checked
2026-08-30 04:51 UTC
Validation method
legislation.gov.uk XML table parse; {'II': 1758, 'III': 326, 'IV': 154, 'V': 57, 'VI': 34}
SHA-256
e3a386d950f54c6e7a7f9e784d1bd46e52de725137e89d5630709824475215d8

Registered dataset notes

Dataset coverage
Complete consolidated GB Annexes II–VI, with later amendments versioned separately
Authority note
Binding GB schedules and versioned amendments to retained Regulation 1223/2009; applies to England, Wales and Scotland, not Northern Ireland
Source licence
Open Government Licence v3.0 / Crown copyright
Attribution
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Inspect the exact official sourceRegulator guidance

How this record fits the market dataset

2329
current Great Britain records
1758
records marked Prohibited
2329
records from this source version
2015
market records with CAS identity

Status distribution

Permitted list with conditions: 245Prohibited: 1758Restricted: 326

Condition text is present on 517 of 2329 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.

Great Britain market context

Complete consolidated annex dataset

Coverage version: GB retained Regulation 1223/2009 schedules, effective 15 August 2026

Current consolidated Annexes II–VI for England, Scotland and Wales.

Verification checklist

  1. Confirm INCI/CAS/EC identity.
  2. Review every current GB Annex II–VI match.
  3. Check commencement dates and later statutory instruments.
  4. Verify SCPN, responsible-person, safety-report and labelling duties.

Official market sources

Verification workflow and record completeness

Before using this result in a compliance decision

  1. Confirm that “Pyrocatechol (Catechol)” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
  2. Confirm INCI/CAS/EC identity.
  3. Review every current GB Annex II–VI match.
  4. Check commencement dates and later statutory instruments.
  5. Verify SCPN, responsible-person, safety-report and labelling duties.
  6. Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.

Fields available in this record

  • Official substance nameAvailable
  • CASAvailable
  • ECAvailable
  • Separate condition textNot present in source row
  • Effective dateAvailable
  • Snapshot hash and methodAvailable

Questions this page answers

This official record identifies the substance as prohibited for cosmetic use in the stated market scope. Do not rely on a formulation containing this identity until the cited source, effective date and exact substance match have been verified.

A prohibition entry may contain no separate condition text because the regulatory outcome is the prohibition itself. No annex match is not approval and does not cover Northern Ireland, which follows the applicable EU framework.

The record cites GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II, entry 408, source version 2026-08-15. Open the official source.

No. CAS helps resolve identity, but jurisdictions can classify the same substance differently and can apply different product scopes, limits, warnings and transition dates.

Stable citation

Pyrocatechol (Catechol). GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II, entry 408. Great Britain. Source version 2026-08-15. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/gb/records/4763/

Cite the regulator as the legal authority. This page is a structured evidence index and verification aid, not a substitute for the official text or professional legal assessment.

Interpretation and limits for Great Britain

This official record identifies the substance as prohibited for cosmetic use in the stated market scope.

Do not rely on a formulation containing this identity until the cited source, effective date and exact substance match have been verified.

How to interpret the legal role

The cited row forms part of a binding rule or legally incorporated list for this market.

Evidence on this page

  • Recorded outcome: Prohibited
  • Legal role: Binding rule
  • Source version: 2026-08-15
  • Effective date: 2026-08-15

What it does not prove

No annex match is not approval and does not cover Northern Ireland, which follows the applicable EU framework.

Further authoritative substance research

These sources can add identity, safety, exposure or hazard context. A link is not evidence that the database contains this exact substance, and none of these sources overrides the market decision above.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments

Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents

Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule

Research this identity at the source

FDA Global Substance Registration System

UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships

Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval

Research this identity at the source

ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards

Hazards, symptoms, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and physical properties for covered chemicals

International occupational chemical-safety reference; not cosmetic-use approval

Research this identity at the source

Japan NITE-CHRIP

Chemical identity, Japanese and foreign legal lists, GHS hazards and exposure-related information

Chemical-management evidence; cosmetic status remains governed by the applicable MHLW standard and market rules

Research this identity at the source

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

REL, PEL, IDLH, properties, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, first aid and measurement methods for covered workplace chemicals

US occupational-health guidance and limits; not a cosmetic ingredient decision

Research this identity at the source

OECD eChemPortal

Gateway to authority-owned physical-property, fate, ecotoxicity, toxicity, exposure and GHS records

Discovery gateway; each linked authority remains responsible for its data

Research this identity at the source

US EPA CompTox CTX APIs

API key required for import

DTXSID identity, experimental and predicted properties, toxicity, bioactivity, exposure and environmental data

Scientific and computational evidence; predictions must remain labelled and do not determine cosmetic legality

Research this identity at the source