PLDEFRESITJęzyk: polski
INCI name

RESORCINOL

Resorcinol

AntioxidantDenaturantHair dyeingPerfumingreviewed

A phenolic compound used mainly in hair dyes.

What it is

Resorcinol (1,3-dihydroxybenzene, CI 76505) is a synthetic phenol. CosIng lists it as antioxidant, denaturant, hair dyeing and perfuming. It is regulated in Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Where it is used

Found mainly in oxidative hair dyes, and also in some eyelash tints and hair lotions or shampoos.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

Resorcinol is listed in Annex III with conditions and warnings that depend on the product type; see the EU regulation section for the applicable limits.

Functions

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, permanent, depending on the length of time the colorant remains on the hair.
Perfuming
Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials.

EU regulation

EU · Annex III, entry 221,3-benzenediol
Product type
(a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products (b) Products intended for colouring eyelashes (c) Hair lotions and shampoos
Maximum concentration
(c) 0,5%
Conditions and 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.’
As of
3 November 2026 · (EC) 2013/1197

Safety Gate alerts (EU)

2 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.

See all alerts →

Scientific opinions (SCCS)

Opinions of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety that mention this ingredient. They assess specific uses and concentrations; read the opinion for its scope.

Products with this ingredient (58)

Check a full ingredient list