Moderate Colorant NOAEL Data GHS Classified Sensitization Data

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 and pharmaceutical data.

View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 108-46-3 →

Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
oxidative hair dye coupler; color developer
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Chemistry & Identifiers

Formula
C6H6O2
MW
110.11 g/mol
EC Number
203-585-2
PubChem CID
5054
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 INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad71
NOAEL =4.57142857142857 mg/kg bw/day - Rat; Mouse Subchronic toxicity INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad71
NOAEL =5 mg/kg bw - Rat Toxicology study INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad71
NOAEL =5 mg/kg bw - Rat Toxicology study INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad71
NOAEL =5.14285714285714 mg/kg bw/day - - Toxicology study INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad71
NOAEL =5.14285714285714 mg/kg bw/day - - Toxicology study INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad71

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

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/VCRP

Additional Ingredient Properties

7 property records from structured ingredient metadata.

acne
{"cas_number": "108-46-3", "anti_acne_mechanism": "keratolytic/antibacterial", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "2", "acne_type_efficacy": "non_inflammatory/inflammatory", "p_acnes_mic_ug_per_ml": "500-1000", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "10-15", "keratolytic_strength": "moderate", "exfoliation_mechanism": "chemical", "optimal_ph_for_efficacy": "5.0-7.0", "peel_depth": "superficial", "prescripti…
allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "no", "allergen_class": "dye", "cross_reactivity_group": "para-amino-group", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "0.5", "sensitization_rate": "low", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "no", "source": "IVDK; NACDG; ESSCA"}
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "yes", "biodegradation_days": "28-60", "bioaccumulative": "no", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "moderate", "coral_reef_safe": "yes", "marine_toxicity": "moderate aquatic toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "moderate fish toxicity", "endocrine_disruptor": "suspected", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted_…
exfoliant
{"cas_number": "108-46-3", "ingredient_class": "keratolytic", "chemical_subclass": "phenol_derivative", "molecular_weight_Da": "110.11", "pKa_value": "9.32", "pH_dependent_activity": "minimal", "penetration_depth": "epidermis", "mechanism_of_action": "keratin_dissolution", "target_bonds": "keratin_crosslinks", "onset_of_action": "minutes", "comedolytic": "yes", "anti_acne_mechanism": "keratolytic,…
hair_dye
{"cas_number": "108-46-3", "ingredient_class": "oxidative_dye_coupler", "color_index_CI_number": "76505", "chemical_class": "resorcinol", "molecular_weight_Da": "110.11", "color_result_on_hair": "Yellowish-brown modifier", "shade_range": "blonde", "primary_function": "coupler", "oxidative_dye_type": "coupler", "requires_developer": "yes", "developer_volume_compatibility": "10/20/30", "permanence":…
pregnancy_detail
{"pregnancy_safe": "avoid", "breastfeeding_safe": "insufficient-data", "trimester_restriction": "first", "risk_category": "not-rated", "reason": "Skin irritant; endocrine disruption concern; low absorption", "alternative_ingredient": "Resorcinol-free dye", "source": "PMC2567273; dermatology literature"}
regulatory
{"eu_status": "restricted", "us_status": "allowed", "eu_max_concentration": "0.005", "restricted_in": "hair products max 0.5%, oxidative dyes 1.25%", "regulation_reference": "Annex III/12"}

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 rats
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: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (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: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (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: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (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

Expert Verdict

Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Resorcinol Cosmetic.

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/day, mg/kg bw, mg/kg bw/d

COSMOS_DB ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID INCHEM_WHO_cicads_cicads_cicad71 SCCS_vision_codex

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 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
View full pharmaceutical profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 and pharmaceutical 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.

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