Resorcinol
A cosmetic ingredient used as antioxidant, denaturant, hair dyeing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Resorcinol (CI 76505)
What does it do?
Resorcinol is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Antioxidant
neutralises free radicals to slow oxidative damage to the formulation or skin
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Denaturant
makes ethanol in cosmetics unfit for drinking — required by regulation when alcohol is used
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Hair dyeing
colours hair, either by depositing pigment on the surface or by chemically altering the hair's natural pigment
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Perfuming
adds scent to a cosmetic product
EU regulatory status
This ingredient is restricted in the European Union.
Resorcinol is listed under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 22). It is permitted only under specific conditions, concentration limits, or in particular product types.
Frequently asked questions
What is Resorcinol?
Resorcinol is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Resorcinol (CI 76505)
Is Resorcinol allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Only with restrictions. Resorcinol is permitted in EU cosmetics only under specific conditions defined in Annex III of Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Resorcinol do in cosmetic products?
Resorcinol is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antioxidant, denaturant, hair dyeing, perfuming.
What is the CAS number of Resorcinol?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Resorcinol is 108-46-3.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 04/03/2019