Diethyl Phthalate
What is it?
Dimethyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate and Dibutyl Phthalate are part of a family of compounds called dialkyl phthalates. These compounds are colorless oily liquids.
Among these three compounds, Diethyl Phthalate has the most frequent use in cosmetics and personal care products, principally as a solublizer in perfumes and as an alcohol denaturant. Dimethyl Phthalate has reported use in hair preparations. Dibutyl Phthalate was once a commonly used plastisizer in nail polish, with some use in hair spray, deodorant and perfume reported. The use of Dibutyl Phthalate in all cosmetics and personal care products has been discontinued by most manufacturers.
Among these three compounds, Diethyl Phthalate has the most frequent use in cosmetics and personal care products, principally as a solublizer in perfumes and as an alcohol denaturant. Dimethyl Phthalate has reported use in hair preparations. Dibutyl Phthalate was once a commonly used plastisizer in nail polish, with some use in hair spray, deodorant and perfume reported. The use of Dibutyl Phthalate in all cosmetics and personal care products has been discontinued by most manufacturers.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Dimethyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate and Dibutyl Phthalate on its list of indirect food additives. For example, all three ingredients may be used in adhesives that contact food, Diethyl Phthalate and Dibutyl Phthalate may be used in food contact polymers, and Dibutyl Phthalate may be used as a slimicide in paper and paperboard used for food packaging.
The safety of Dimethyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate and Dibutyl Phthalate has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Dimethyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate and Dibutyl Phthalate were safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. In 2002 and 2005, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on these three ingredients and reaffirmed the above conclusion.
The safety of Dimethyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate and Dibutyl Phthalate has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Dimethyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate and Dibutyl Phthalate were safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. In 2002 and 2005, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on these three ingredients and reaffirmed the above conclusion.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
Dimethyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate and Dibutyl Phthalate all function as plasticizers and solvents. Diethyl Phthalate also functions as a denaturant.
Scientific facts:
Dimethyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate and Dibutyl Phthalate are prepared by reacting phthalic acid with methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol and butyl alcohol, respectively. These ingredients should not be confused with Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a compound not used in cosmetics and personal care products.
