murphyResorcinol
AKA: 108-46-3, Benzene-1, 3-diol, 1, 3-Benzenediol, 3-Dihydroxybenzene, M-Hydroxyphenol, M-Hydroquinone, M-Dihydroxybenzene, 3-Hydroxyphenol
Synthetic
Antioxidant
Fragrance
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from benzene through a multi-step chemical process involving hydroxylation and reduction reactions. Produced industrially via catalytic oxidation of hydroquinone or through direct synthesis from phenol derivatives.
Resorcinol is a 1,3-isomer (or meta-isomer) of benzenediol with the formula C6H4(OH)2. It is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in topical pharmaceutical products in the treatment of skin disorders and infections such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, corns, calluses, and warts. It exerts a keratolytic activity. Resorcinol works by helping to remove hard, scaly, or roughened skin. Although it is primarily indicated for use as a topical application, resorcinol also possesses a well-documented anti-thyroidal activity that is generally not relied upon for any kind of formal therapeutic indication.
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 65.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H6O2
Mol. Weight
110.11
CAS #
108-46-3
Form
Liquid
State
Resorcinol is a very white crystalline solid that becomes pink on exposure to light if not completely pure. Burns although ignition is difficult. Density approximately 1.28 g / cm3. Irritating to skin
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
No
Functions
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Denaturant
Hair Dyeing
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Fights acne
Causing bacteria
Neutralizes free radicals
Supports cell turnover
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
9
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
No
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating (CIR 183)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
5 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions moderate to severe (CIR 183)
Mixed Sensitization Results
5 studies / 1 sensitizing / 4 not sensitizing / plus 2 case reports (CIR 183)
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 183)
Dermal Absorption 1.64%
human volunteers / in vivo / 2% Resorcinol ointment / 800 mg applied to 30% of body surface over 2 weeks / 30 days of topical dosing (CIR 183)
Concentration Guide
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 2%
FDA OTC limit (Acne): 2%. 21 CFR 333.310
Regulatory Agencies
🧂Conflict of interest.
Verified Jun 2026 · 🧪 = conflict
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR