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DIETHYL PHTHALATE.

Valuable CAS 84-66-2 / DENATURANT, FILM FORMING, FRAGRANCE, HAIR CONDITIONING, PLASTICISER, SOLVENT

Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) is a versatile cosmetic ingredient widely used for its functional properties, including solvent, plasticizer, and fragrance fixative. It is commonly incorporated into various adult and baby-care cosmetic formulations.

denaturant film forming hair conditioning masking plasticiser solvent

Science

DEP functions primarily as an effective solvent, dissolving other substances and creating a continuous film. In fragrances, it acts as a fixative, significantly slowing the evaporation of volatile scent compounds to enhance longevity.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 0.00006–11%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Detected in adult cosmetic products up to 3.6% (36,006 µg/g) with approximately 24.9% dermal absorption into systemic circulation.
  2. 02 Found in baby-care products at concentrations up to 0.027% (274 µg/g).
  3. 03 Used as a vehicle in allergen patch testing from 0.00006% to 2% to determine minimum elicitation concentrations.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Diethyl Phthalate is chemically stable under normal storage conditions. It exhibits minimal decomposition when kept away from strong acids, bases, or oxidizing agents and is compatible with PVC and synthetic resins.

Conflicts

  • strong acids
  • strong bases
  • oxidizing agents

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
11%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), and the FDA all consider Diethyl Phthalate safe for cosmetic use at current concentrations, with the highest reported concentration in perfumes being 11%.


Your Skin

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Valuable

Diethyl Phthalate is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, rigorously assessed as safe for cosmetic use, primarily enhancing product texture, stability, and fragrance longevity.


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