Hair dyes, henna & straighteners
Resorcinol
Restricted in European Union, United Kingdom and Canada; not specifically regulated in Nigeria.
Why it matters
Resorcinol is a hair-dye ingredient that can irritate skin and cause severe allergic reactions.
What to look for on the label
Resorcinol (hair dyes).
Country by country
Around the worldRestricted in European Union, United Kingdom and Canada; not specifically regulated in Nigeria.
Why: Resorcinol is a hair-dye ingredient that can irritate skin and cause severe allergic reactions.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | no specific ruleNot named in NAFDAC labelling, bleaching-agent or registration rules. |
| European Union | restrictedHair/eyelash dye max 1.25% after mixing; lotions and shampoos 0.5%; eyelash use professional only. |
| United Kingdom | restrictedAnnex III 22: hair dye 1.25% after mixing; lotions and shampoos 0.5%; warnings required. |
| United States | no specific ruleNo cosmetic restriction found; OTC acne drug use is 2% combined with sulfur. |
| Canada | restrictedHotlist: not permitted in cosmetics for skin; hair-dye use under coal tar dye rules. |
Sources: NAFDAC Cosmetics Labelling Regulations 2019 (PolicyVault copy) · Reg (EU) 1197/2013 text (legislation.gov.uk copy) · UK Cosmetics Regulation Annex III · 21 CFR 333.310 · Health Canada Hotlist (2025-08-13) via CosIng Checker (secondary). Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.