Resorcinol
Resorcinol suppliers and sourcing guide
Resorcinol is 1,3-dihydroxybenzene, a white crystalline phenol made synthetically, mainly by sulfonating benzene and fusing the product with alkali, or by oxidizing m-diisopropylbenzene. It is soluble in water and alcohol and darkens on exposure to light and air. Brands buy pharmacopeial-grade crystals or flakes for OTC topical drug products and for oxidative hair dyes.
- Category
- Cosmetic actives
- Also known as
- 1,3-Benzenediol · m-Dihydroxybenzene · Resorcin · CAS 108-46-3
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of resorcinol
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Pharmacopeial grade
Crystals or flakes made to a USP or Ph. Eur. monograph, required when resorcinol is a declared drug active.
Technical grade
Industrial resorcinol for resins and adhesives; not suitable for cosmetics or drugs.
Resorcinol monoacetate
A liquid ester listed separately in the OTC monograph and used at a different level.
Hair dye grade
High-purity resorcinol sold to hair dye makers as a coupler, with tight limits on related phenols.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Identity and assay
- Identity by IR and assay by titration or HPLC, typically on a dried basis.
- Related substances
- Phenol, catechol and other related compounds by HPLC or GC.
- Melting range and appearance
- Melting range plus color of the solid and of a solution; pink or brown color shows oxidation.
- Residue on ignition
- Inorganic residue after burning.
- Heavy metals
- Lead and other metals by ICP-MS against the specification.
- Water
- Loss on drying or Karl Fischer water content.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store resorcinol in tightly closed, light-resistant containers in a cool, dry place; it darkens when exposed to light and air. Keep it away from oxidizers and handle it with dust control. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, and discolored material should be retested before use.
Lots and expiry dates
Record assay, color and related substances for each lot, since color changes in the finished product often trace back to oxidized resorcinol. Use older lots first and avoid repeatedly opening the same container.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 333.310 lists resorcinol at 2 percent as an OTC monograph active for topical skin products only when combined with sulfur.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist does not permit resorcinol (CAS 108-46-3) in cosmetics intended for use on the skin.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists resorcinol (CAS 108-46-3) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Resorcinol suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking resorcinol suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell resorcinol? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of resorcinol can brands buy?
Common forms include pharmacopeial grade, technical grade, resorcinol monoacetate and hair dye grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for resorcinol include?
Expect identity and assay, related substances, melting range and appearance, residue on ignition, heavy metals and water, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should resorcinol be stored?
Store resorcinol in tightly closed, light-resistant containers in a cool, dry place; it darkens when exposed to light and air. Keep it away from oxidizers and handle it with dust control. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, and discolored material should be retested before use.
What is the regulatory status of resorcinol?
21 CFR 333.310 lists resorcinol at 2 percent as an OTC monograph active for topical skin products only when combined with sulfur. Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist does not permit resorcinol (CAS 108-46-3) in cosmetics intended for use on the skin. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists resorcinol (CAS 108-46-3) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant.
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