Ingredient decoder

Resorcinol: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Resorcinol

Acne verdict Acne helper

Helps acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Peeling acne active used together with sulfur.

  • Anti-acne
  • Hair dyeing
  • Masking

Resorcinol in plain English

Resorcinol is an older acne active that helps break down rough, dead skin and has antibacterial effects. In US over-the-counter acne products it is only allowed in combination with sulfur. It can be irritating and may darken on some skin tones, so it is less common in modern products.

Is resorcinol bad for acne?

No. Resorcinol is on the helpful side for acne-prone skin and is not known to clog pores. Our checker groups it with the anti-acne ingredients.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Resorcinol
  • 1,3-benzenediol
  • M-dihydroxybenzene

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Frequently asked questions

Is resorcinol comedogenic?

There is no published comedogenic rating for resorcinol, and it is not known to clog pores. It is used in products made for acne-prone skin.

What does resorcinol do in skincare?

In short: peeling acne active used together with sulfur. In formulas it is used for hair dyeing and masking.

What else is resorcinol called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, resorcinol can also appear as 1,3-benzenediol or M-dihydroxybenzene.

Sources