Resorcinol
Resorcinol is not authorized as a food additive in the US or EU. Animal and human data show that it can disrupt thyroid function (it inhibits thyroid peroxidase), and the European SCCS has set strict limits on its use in cosmetics; ATSDR identifies thyroid effects as the main toxicological endpoint.
What it is
Resorcinol (1,3-dihydroxybenzene) is a phenolic compound used as a chemical intermediate, in topical antiseptics, and as a hair-dye coupler; not approved as a food additive.
Not approved for food use — primarily industrial and cosmetic.
Why it's flagged
- thyroid endocrine disruptor (inhibits thyroid peroxidase)
- skin sensitizer
- not authorized as food ingredient
What regulators actually say
"The principal target of resorcinol toxicity following oral exposure is the thyroid gland; resorcinol inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not approved as food additive; allowed in some OTC topical drugs
European Union — EFSA
Not listed as food additive; restricted in cosmetics under EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III
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