Is Catechol (pyrocatechol) Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Catechol (pyrocatechol) is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Pyrocatechol. CAS 120-80-9.
Is Catechol (pyrocatechol) banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | hair dye |
| CAS number | 120-80-9 |
What is Catechol (pyrocatechol)?
Catechol (pyrocatechol) (Pyrocatechol) is a hair-dye intermediate.
Why is Catechol (pyrocatechol) used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Catechol (pyrocatechol) dangerous? Documented risks
A possible carcinogen; restricted in the EU.
Products that may contain Catechol (pyrocatechol)
- hair dye
How to avoid Catechol (pyrocatechol): safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Catechol (pyrocatechol)
Is Catechol (pyrocatechol) banned in the EU?
Catechol (pyrocatechol) is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Catechol (pyrocatechol) in US cosmetics?
Yes — Catechol (pyrocatechol) can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Catechol (pyrocatechol)?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Catechol (pyrocatechol) automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Catechol (pyrocatechol)?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Catechol (pyrocatechol).
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Catechol (pyrocatechol) or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.