NEVER MADEWITH

RESORCINOL

WHAT RESORCINOL IS

Resorcinol is a crystalline compound originally obtained from galbanum resin. It is also known as Resorcinol, 1,3-benzenediol, resorcin, 1,3-dihydroxybenzene, m-hydroxybenzene, m-dihydroxy phenol. Resorcinol is a coal byproduct.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM + WHY MADEWITH DOESN’T ALLOW THEM

Resorcinol can be found cosmetics and personal care products (generally in dyes/coloring agents and whitening creams). It can also be found in skincare products as well.

Resorcinol is an endocrine disruptor that acts two-fold; first, it inhibits the enzyme function essential for thyroid hormone synthesis, second it inhibits thyroid receptors.

Further, there is evidence for aquatic environmental persistence. According to the RMOA issued by the Government of Finland “Resorcinol has got harmonized classification for being very toxic to aquatic life, is harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, and causes skin irritation.” [1]

WHERE THEY’RE BANNED OR RESTRICTED

The EU is exploring further regulation based on a 2015 study provided by the government of Finland. In 2020 France has also provided research to the European Chemical Agency and recommendations against the use of Resorcinol. 

The United States does not regulate salon workers’ exposure to resorcinol, but it does regulate that of workers in manufacturing and coal mining/processing.

WHERE WE'RE GETTING OUR INFORMATION

[1] ECHA European Chemical Agency. Risk Management Option Analysis via the government of Finland. (2015). https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/93ecf11d-9d85-1af4-6e32-64e224208c79

[2] ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety). (2020). https://www.anses.fr/en/content/anses-proposes-identifying-resorcinol-proven-endocrine-disruptor-humans

[3] European Commission. Call for data on ingredients with potential endocrine-disrupting properties used in cosmetic products. (2019). https://ec.europa.eu/growth/content/call-data-ingredients-potential-endocrine-disrupting-properties-used-cosmetic-products_en

[4] ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). Proposal for identification of a substance of very high concern. Annex XV for the REACH Act. (2020). https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/53d2eb0e-b0e8-fabb-b4b0-a56c246cb0a3

[5] INCHEM. WHO. Resorcinol hazard sheet. (1999). http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics1033.htm