The ingredient, explained
Resorcinol
Resorcinol has published research relevant to cosmetic safety assessment.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
Resorcinol -CI 76505-
About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗
- Hair dyeing
- Adds colour to hair.
- Masking
- Reduces or conceals the formula's underlying odour or taste.
Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗
Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.
A closer look
What the research shows
Safety assessment
The historical assessment reviews hair-dye exposure, systemic toxicology and clinical irritation/sensitization; resorcinol was a mild irritant and rare sensitizer in selected clinical testing.
What this does not tell us
Historical safety report under described hair-dye uses and concentrations. No pigmentation benefit claims or current regulatory determinations are supported.
Sources for this summary. DOI 10.3109/10915818609141929 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Selective exact-identity review of 9 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.
Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.
Read the 1 selected study
Safety assessment
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of 2-Methylresorcinol and Resorcinol ↗
· 1986
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
Resorcinol -CI 76505-
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- RESORCINOL
- CAS registry number
- 108-46-3
- EC number
- 203-585-2
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026