IngredientsEuropean Union
Resorcinol in EU cosmetics: status and maximum concentration
INCI RESORCINOL · CAS 108-46-3
EU status: Restrictedlisted hair uses only
Data from Certo’s regulatory database as of
Some rows corrected against the legal texts on
The short answer
Resorcinol is restricted in cosmetic products sold in the European Union (listed hair uses only). The binding limits are set in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III, entry 22.
EU legal requirements
| Product type or use | Limit | Conditions and label wording | Applies from |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III 22 Legal text | |||
| Oxidative hair dyes | ≤ 1.25 %, after mixing | — | In force |
| Eyelash colouring for consumers | Not allowed | — | In force |
| Eyelash colouring products | ≤ 1.25 %, after mixing | — | In force |
| Hair lotions and shampoos | ≤ 0.5 % | — | In force |
| Any other product | Not allowed | — | In force |
| Oxidative hair dyes | — | The label must state the mixing ratio and ‘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.’ | In force |
| Eyelash colouring products | — | The label must state the mixing ratio and ‘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.’ | In force |
| Hair lotions and shampoos | — | The label must state ‘Contains resorcinol.’ | In force |
Standards, advice and watch lists
| Product type or use | Limit | Conditions and label wording | Applies from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endocrine-disruptor lists (national authorities), ED List II Source | |||
| Endocrine Disruptor Lists, List II (latest update 2026/04), rows 102 to 106: Resorcinol | |||
| ECHA classification proposal, CLH Source | |||
| ECHA Registry of CLH intentions until outcome: resorcinol (France), RAC opinion of 05-Jun-2026 | |||
What the texts say
22 | 1,3-benzenediol | Resorcinol | 108-46-3 | 203-585-2 | (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products | For (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyelashes must not exceed 1,25 % (b) Products intended for colouring eyelashes | (b) For professional use only. (c) Hair lotions and shampoos | (c) 0,5 % | (c) Contains resorcinol.
Resorcinol | 108-46-3 | 203-585-2 | Yes | Commission EDC list | 2019 | Cosmetics | List II List III
Resorcinol | 203-585-2 | 108-46-3 | Submitter: France | Status: Opinion Adopted | Proposed classification adds: ED HH 1, EUH380 | Date of opinion: 05-Jun-2026 | Remarks: RAC opinion published on 11 September 2026.
On the horizon
- Watch: On ED List II (under EU evaluation as an endocrine disruptor, for health effects) and on List III (identified as an endocrine disruptor by a participating national authority, 2025).
- Watch: RAC adopted an opinion on 5 June 2026 on France’s proposal to classify resorcinol as an endocrine disruptor for human health (ED HH 1, EUH380). The Commission has not yet decided whether to add it to CLP Annex VI. It is not a CMR classification, so it would not by itself ban resorcinol under Article 15.
Not to be confused with
- 2-Methylresorcinol (Annex III 243) (CAS 608-25-3): A different hair-dye precursor, with its own 1,8 % limit.
- 4-Chlororesorcinol (Annex III 199) (CAS 95-88-5): A different hair-dye precursor, with its own limit of 2,5 % after mixing.
- Resorcinol diglycidyl ether (Annex II 992) (CAS 101-90-6): A resorcinol derivative banned under its own entry; that ban is not resorcinol's.
- 4-(Phenylazo)resorcinol, Solvent Orange 1, CI 11920 (Annex II 1343) (CAS 2051-85-6): An azo dye banned in hair dye products; not resorcinol.
Sources
- Reg. (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III, entry 22 (as amended by Reg. (EU) No 1197/2013 and Reg. (EU) 2022/2195)
- Endocrine Disruptor Lists, List II (latest update 2026/04), rows 102 to 106: Resorcinol
- ECHA Registry of CLH intentions until outcome: resorcinol (France), RAC opinion of 05-Jun-2026
This page is general regulatory information, not legal advice. Rely on the legal texts linked above and on your own regulatory experts before making a compliance decision.