2.12 Resorcinol

On this page: Referred scheduling proposal | Scheduling application | Current scheduling status and relevant scheduling history | Australian regulatory information | International regulations | Substance summary | Pre-meeting public submissions | Summary of ACCS-ACMS advice to the delegate | Delegate's considerations | Delegate's interim decision

Referred scheduling proposal

An application submitted by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) under their IMAP program to create a new Schedule 6 entry for resorcinol (1,3-benzenediol) to reflect its use in cosmetic and domestic products.

Scheduling application

This was a delegate-initiated application. The delegate's proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard are:

The reasons for the proposal are:

• Resorcinol is used in permanent hair dye preparations in Australia (NICNAS, 2007) and in hair lotions and shampoos overseas (refer to Import, Manufacture and Use section of IMAP Tier II report);
• Resorcinol has moderate oral toxicity and has been shown to cause skin and eye irritation as well as skin sensitisation;
• Resorcinol has existing overseas restrictions in European Union (EU) for oxidative hair colouring products at a maximum concentration of 2.5 %, with labelling requirements at lower concentrations. It is mixed with hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1 ratio just prior to use, resulting in a concentration of 1.25 % when applied to hair (SCCS, 2010). Use of the chemical is also restricted in hair lotions and shampoos with a maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product of 0.5 %;
• When resorcinol is used as a hair dye, there is a potential risk of for skin sensitisation, which may be controlled through concentration restrictions and warning labels, as have previously been applied to other sensitising hair dyes considered for inclusion in the Poisons Standard.

Current scheduling status and relevant scheduling history

Resorcinol (1,3-benzenediol) is currently unscheduled.

In July 2016, NICNAS submitted a proposal to create a new entry for resorcinol in Schedule 6 for restriction in cosmetic and domestic products.

In January 2017, the delegate made a delegate-only final decision to enter resorcinol in Schedule 6 and Appendices E and F of the Poisons

Standard as follows:

The implementation date of this decision was 1 February 2017.

Following the release of the final decisions on 16 January 2017, feedback from industry indicated that resorcinol is used more broadly than initially considered. On 31 January 2017, the Schedule 6 entry for resorcinol was removed from the 1 February 2017 Poisons Standard to allow further review of its broader use pattern. This final decision was implemented as Amendment No. 1 of SUSMP 16 - external site. Resorcinol was subsequently referred to the March 2017 Joint ACCS-ACMS meeting.

An isomer of resorcinol, 1,2-benzenediol, is scheduled as follows:

A homologue of resorcinol, 2-methylresorcinol, was considered by the

ACCS in March 2016.

Effective 1 June 2017, 2‑methylresorcinol will be listed in Schedule 6 as follows:

Australian regulatory information

Resorcinol is listed in the Therapeutic Goods (Permissible Ingredients) Determination No. 3 of 2017 - external site as follows:

Resorcinol has two registered OTC products and two listed export-only products on the ARTG.^[27]

Resorcinol was reported to be used in permanent hair dye preparations in Australia (NICNAS, 2007) and in overseas hair lotions and shampoos. Currently, there are no restrictions in Australia on using this chemical in hair dyes, hair lotions and shampoos. In the absence of any regulatory controls, the characterised critical health effects (skin and eye irritation, and skin sensitisation) have the potential to pose an unreasonable risk under the identified uses. The risk could be mitigated by implementing concentration limits and labelling requirements for use in hair dyes, hair lotions and shampoos.

International regulations

The EU has restricted the use of this chemical in oxidative hair colouring products at a maximum concentration of 2.5 %. It is mixed with hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1 ratio just prior to use, which corresponds to a concentration of 1.25 % when applied to hair (SCCS, 2010). Restricted use in hair lotions and shampoos was also reported to be the maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product of 0.5 %.

Resorcinol is listed on the EU Cosmetic Directive 76/768/EEC Annex III Part 1: List of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions and conditions laid down below (Galleria Chemica): (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products for general and professional use- after mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1.25 % (w/w); and (b) Hair lotions and shampoos- maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product of 0.5 % (w/w). Resorcinol is also listed on the following:

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Cosmetic Directive Annex III-Part 1 List of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to restrictions and conditions laid down;
• New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard-Schedule 5-Table 1: Components cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions and conditions laid down;
• Health Canada List of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients (The Cosmetic Ingredient ‘Hotlist'); and
• Chile list of Cosmetic Ingredients with limited use or concentration.

Substance summary

Resorcinol is a colourless solid with a mild odour. Resorcinol has a number of chemical (dyes, resins, plasticisers, adhesives and polymers) and medical applications (antiseptic, disinfectant, antifungal).^[28]

Table 2.12.2: Chemical information for resorcinol

Property	Resorcinol
Chemical structure
Molecular formula	C6H6O2
Molecular weight	110.1 g/mol
CAS name	1,3-Benzenediol
CAS number	108-46-3
IUPAC and/or common and/or other names	Resorcinol (INCI); 1,3-dihydroxybenzene; 3-hydroxyphenol.

How to access a pdf document

The following toxicology information was extracted from the NICNAS IMAP Human Health Tier II assessment - external site, publicly available on the NICNAS website. Further information can also be found in the European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (pdf,226kb) - external site (SCCS) report.

Acute toxicity

The acute toxicity end-points of resorcinol are summarised in Table 2.12.3.

Skin irritation

Based on the weight of evidence, the chemical is considered to be slightly to severely irritating to skin when administered diluted in an aqueous solution or in semi-solid state (flaked or industrial grade):

• In a non-guideline (Federal Hazardous Substance Labelling Act (FHSLA)) skin irritation study, 0.5 g of the chemical (flaked grade) in saline was applied to the clipped belly skin (abraded and intact) of albino rabbits (six males) for 24 hours under occlusive patches. Observations were made at 24 and 72 hours post-treatment, and animals were kept under observation for a maximum of two weeks. Treatment-related effects were moderate irritation on intact skin and necrosis on abraded skin. Effects were more pronounced at 72 hours post-treatment. In the two week recovery period, necrotic areas were still encrusted or scarred. The primary dermal irritation index (PDII) was reported to be 4.4;
• In similar non-guideline (FHSLA) studies, a 24-hour occluded application of the chemical (flaked and industrial grade) at 0.5 g to the bellies of male albino rabbits produced moderate irritation on intact skin and necrosis on abraded sites. The chemical (industrial grade) was reported to cause slight to severe irritation of the intact areas, and from severe irritation to necrosis of the abraded areas, 24 hours after exposure. In the 2-week post-recovery period, necrotic areas were still encrusted or scarred. The primary dermal irritation index (PDII) for the chemical was reported to be 4.4 (flaked grade) and 5.4 (industrial grade); and
• In a study conducted according to the OECD Test Guideline 404 (acute dermal irritation/corrosion), 0.5 mL of the chemical (2.5 % aqueous solution) (98.8 % purity) was applied to the clipped back skin of New Zealand White rabbits (three males/group) for four hours under semi-occlusive patches. Observations were made at one, 24, 48 and 72 hours post-treatment. No adverse cutaneous reactions were reported at this low concentration.

Eye irritation

Data from one study using the chemical (flaked and industrial grade diluted in an aqueous solution and semi-solid state, respectively) indicated that the chemical should be considered a severe eye irritant:

• In a non-guideline (FHSLA) study, 0.1 g of the chemical (flaked and industrial grade) was instilled into the eyes of albino rabbits (6 males). Treatment-related effects upon administration included inflamed conjunctivae, opaque corneas and visible discomfort in animals. At 24 hours post-exposure, observations included severe conjunctivitis, iritis, corneal opacity occluding most of the iris and corneal ulcerations. Irreversible effects on the eyes were reported and by day 14, all treated eyes had kerataconus (thinning of and irregularly shaped cornea) and pannus (abnormal layer of fibrovascular tissue or granulation tissue over the cornea) formation. Total mean eye irritation Draize scores were reported to be 105/110 at 24, 48 and 72 hours and the chemical was considered to be a severe eye irritant;
• The chemical was mildly irritating in six albino rats administered 0.1 g of the chemical (dry powder). Reported mean irritation scores were 56.3, 45.0 and 39.9 out of 110 over the observation period at 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. No further study details were available; and
• In a study conducted according to OECD TG 405 (acute eye irritation/corrosion), 0.1 mL of the chemical (2.5 % solution in water (98.8 % purity)) was instilled into the eyes (conjunctival sacs) of New Zealand White rabbits (three males) and left for 72 hours. Mean scores of zero were reported for chemosis, iris lesions and corneal opacity over 24, 48 and 72 hours. For redness of the conjunctivae, a mean score of 0.1 was reported.

Skin sensitisation

Based on the available animal and human data, the chemical is considered to be a moderate to strong contact skin sensitiser and is recommended for classification:

• In a GPMT conducted in accordance with OECD TG 406, Pirbright white guinea pigs (treatment group 10 animals, control group 5 animals and accompanying group 20 animals used for range finding) were administered 2 % (w/v) solution of the chemical (99.9 % purity as white flakes in sodium chloride) by intradermal injection followed by occlusive, epicutaneous application of 25 % the chemical. At the challenge exposure using 25 % of the chemical (occlusive epicutaneous application), very slight to distinct erythema was observed on the skin of 2-3 animals at 24 and 48 hours observation periods. At the second challenge and compared to the control group, very slight to distinct erythema was reported in 7/10 guinea pigs at 24 hours and on 5/10 guinea pigs at 48 hours and minor swelling was also observed in one animal at 24 hours after patch removal. The relative incidence of the positive reactions in animals was over the threshold value of 30 % and the chemical was considered to be a skin sensitiser;
• In a study conducted in accordance with OECD TG 429, positive skin sensitisation was reported in LLNA studies in two independent experiments. A positive control of a-hexylcinnamaldehyde (HCA), a moderate sensitiser, at the concentration of 25 % (v/v) in DMF was used. In the first experiment (range finding), female CBA/J mice (four animals/dose including negative and positive controls) were administered 25 µL of the chemical (in vehicle dimethylformamide at 2.5, 5, 10, 25 or 50 %) applied to the dorsal surface of each ear, once daily for three consecutive days. Stimulation indices (SI) of 3.83, 4.14, 3.97, 3.51 and 3.30 were reported, respectively. Positive lymphoproliferative responses (SI > 3) were reported at all concentrations, but no clear dose-response relationship was observed. In the second experiment, mice (four/dose) were administered daily applications of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 or 25 % chemical (w/v). Treatment resulted in stimulation indices of 1.58, 2.87, 1.97, 3.51 and 5.74, respectively. A dose-related increase in SI was seen and the threshold positive value of three was exceeded. The effective concentration at which a three-fold increase in SI was achieved (EC3) was reported to be 1.4 % and the chemical was considered to be a moderate skin sensitiser; and
• The chemical (purity unspecified) was not reported to be sensitising according to two non-guideline skin sensitisation (LLNA) studies in mice (concentrations of up to 2.5 % and 25 % w/v were tested, respectively). No further study details were available and the reliability of both studies was questioned due to outdated study methods (OECD, 2008). However, the chemical was reported to be a sensitiser in mice in a LLNA study (OECD TG 429). A group of CBA/Ca female mice (four/dose) were treated at daily concentrations of 0, 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 % (w/v) of the chemical (purity unspecified) in acetone/olive oil (ratio of 4:1). SIs of 1.0, 0.7, 2.2, 5.2, 8.4 or 10.4 were measured respectively, and an EC value of 6.3 % was determined (REACH; OECD, 2008).

Repeat-dose toxicity

Based on the weight-of-evidence, the chemical is not considered to cause serious damage to health from repeated oral exposure.

No information was available for repeated dose toxicity by the dermal route. There is insufficient evidence to evaluate repeated dose inhalation toxicity.

Genotoxicity

Based on the weight-of-evidence from the available in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies, the chemical is not considered to be genotoxic.

Carcinogenicity

Based on the available data, the chemical is not considered to be carcinogenic.

Reproduction and developmental toxicity

Based on the available data, the chemical is not considered to be a reproductive or developmental toxin.

Observation in humans

Human patch-testing using the chemical elicited allergic skin reactions in 0.7–0.8 % of 1694 dermatitis patients. In further case histories of 34 dermatitis patients, the chemical was reported to cause reactions after epicutaneous testing.

No dermatitis of the hands was reported for 42 workers from a tyre factory after an epicutaneous test with the chemical.

In human patch tests with the chemical (2 % in petrolatum), four out of 302 hairdressers suffering from contact dermatitis reported a positive reaction. No further details were available. In another case, one patient who developed contact dermatitis after application of paint to the skin was patch tested with the chemical (5 % in petrolatum) and showed a positive result after 48 hours. In a third case, three female patients suffering from acne and contact dermatitis gave a positive patch test for the chemical (2 % in petrolatum) after 48 and 72 hours.

Pre-meeting public submissions

Two (2) pre-meeting submissions were received. One had no objections to the proposed scheduling for resorcinol. The main points of the submission were:

• Resorcinol is permitted internationally in over the counter (OTC) and consumer products (such as hair dyes). The scheduling of resorcinol in Australia should reflect international regulations.
• Resorcinol is used in topical therapeutic goods, scheduling should not capture this use pattern.
• Scheduling of resorcinol should reflect recent decisions made on similar substances used in hair dyes, such as 2-methylresorcinol.
• An adequate transition period of at least 12 months is requested to allow for any labelling changes and/or reformulation that may be required where no immediate risk has been identified. There is no evidence to suggest immediate action is required for the risk management of this substance.
• One submission requested a specific exemption for OTC products.

The public submissions will be made available on the TGA website.

Summary of ACCS-ACMS advice to the delegate

The committee recommended that a new Schedule 6 entry and Appendix E and F entries be created for resorcinol as follows:

The committee also recommended an implementation date of 1 June 2018.

Members agreed that the relevant matters under Section 52E(1) of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 included: (a) risks and benefits of the use of a substance; (b) the purpose for which a substance is to be used and the extent of use; (c) the toxicity of a substance; and (d) the dosage, formulation, labelling, packaging and presentation of a substance.

The reasons for the advice were:

• Resorcinol is used as a reaction-modifying agent in hair dyes and dyes applied to eyebrows and eyelashes, as well as in hair lotions and shampoos. It is used in permanent oxidative hair dyes that are mixed prior to use. Use settings are both in-salon as well as packed and labelled products used by consumers. Resorcinol also has other domestic and industrial uses, such as use in adhesives and curing agents.
• The toxicity profile of resorcinol is primarily skin irritation, eye irritation, and moderate skin sensitisation. Resorcinol shows low oral and inhalation toxicity and it is not genotoxic or carcinogenic; there is no reproductive or developmental toxicity. The toxicological profile fits with the Schedule 6 criteria of the SPF.
• The proposed entry, including concentration cut-offs, allows consistency with international controls in the EU and ASEAN.

Delegate's considerations

The delegate considered the following regarding this proposal:

• Scheduling proposal
• ACCS-ACMS advice
• Public Submissions received
• Section 52E of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989
• Scheduling Policy Framework (SPF 2015)
• Other relevant information

Delegate's interim decision

The delegate's interim decision is to create a new Schedule 6 entry for resorcinol with accompanying Appendix E and F entries. The proposed Schedule entry is as follows:

The proposed implementation date is 1 February 2019 to allow at least a 12 month phase for industry if label changes are required.

The matters under subsection 52E(1) of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 considered relevant by the delegate included: (a) the risks and benefits of the use of a substance; (b) the purposes for which a substance is to be used and the extent of use of a substance; (c) the toxicity of a substance; and (d) the dosage, formulation, labelling, packaging and presentation of a substance.

The reasons for the interim decision are:

• The delegate acknowledges the committee's advice.
• Resorcinol is used as a reaction-modifying agent in hair dyes and dyes applied to eyebrows and eyelashes, as well as in hair lotions and shampoos. It is used in permanent oxidative hair dyes that are mixed prior to use. Use settings are both in-salon as well as packed and labelled products used by consumers. Resorcinol also has other domestic and industrial uses, such as use in adhesives and curing agents.
• The toxicity profile of resorcinol is primarily skin irritation, eye irritation, and moderate skin sensitisation. Resorcinol shows low oral and inhalation toxicity and it is not genotoxic or carcinogenic; there is no reproductive or developmental toxicity. The toxicological profile fits with the Schedule 6 criteria of the SPF.
• The proposed entry, including concentration cut-offs, allows consistency with international controls in the EU and ASEAN.