Colorant

4-Chlororesorcinol

INCI: 4-CHLORORESORCINOL
CAS 95-88-5 EC 202-462-0
1,3-Benzenediol, 4-chloro-
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

1,3-Benzenediol, 4-chloro-

Purpose

Function

Oxidative hair dyeing (coupler — reacts with primary intermediates to form final dye)
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Banned
Safety
POOR
US
Permitted
EU Max Concentration2.5%
Absorptionlow
Sensitizationmoderate
MoSadequate
NOAEL70 mg/kg
ConcernHigh
Flags
potential-allergeneu_cosing_listed
Verdict

Moderate sensitizer — mandatory patch test warning. No evidence of carcinogenicity or reproductive/developmental toxicity at 2% dermal. Must not exceed 2.5% after mixing.

US Note

CIR concluded safe as used in hair dye formulations (original 1996, reaffirmed 2011). Use concentration 0.005–2%

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
95-88-5
EC Number
202-462-0
INCI
4-CHLORORESORCINOL
Category
Colorant
Updated
Apr 2, 2026