4-CHLORORESORCINOL is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-SAFETY-.
4-CHLORORESORCINOL
Safety grade: C
4-Chlororesorcinol is a synthetic chemical compound used in hair coloring products. It works by helping to create color pigments that penetrate the hair shaft to change or enhance hair color.
It is used in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes as a color-forming agent, reacting with other dye chemicals to produce specific shades, particularly browns and reds.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Restricted
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to 4-CHLORORESORCINOL
- 5-AMINO-6-CHLORO-O-CRESOL — Grade A. Aromatic amine dye precursor that forms colors when oxidized in hair dye formulas.
- 2-METHOXYMETHYL-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE — Grade A. Oxidative hair dye intermediate that couples with developers to create permanent hair color.
- LAWSONIA INERMIS EXTRACT — Grade A. Plant-based natural dye source that imparts brown and reddish tones to hair.
Other Hair Dyeing ingredients
- RESORCINOL — Grade E**
- THYMOL — Grade A
- M-AMINOPHENOL — Grade C**
- P-AMINOPHENOL — Grade C**
- 2-METHYLRESORCINOL — Grade C
- 4-AMINO-2-HYDROXYTOLUENE — Grade C
- P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE — Grade D**
- 2-METHYL-5-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOPHENOL — Grade C