8.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
plasticizer · solvent · fragrance fixative · stabilizer
Diethyl Phthalate
Also known as: DEP, Diethyl phthalate, Phthalic acid diethyl ester
Molecular Formula
C12H14O4
Molecular Weight
222.24 g/mol
Category
phthalate ester
Bottom Line: Diethyl phthalate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- applied to intact skin
- not ingested or inhaled in large amounts
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using products on children
- exposed to high levels in occupational settings
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a known phthalate sensitivity
- using products with high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C12H14O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 222.24 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -41.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 563.0°C |
| Solubility | (77 °F): 0.1% |
| Log P | 2.5 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, nail polish, hair sprays. Generally safe in low concentrations; check for skin reactions.
Pharmaceutical
Topical medications, transdermal patches. Used as a solvent; ensure proper dosage.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Use in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation.
Food
Food packaging materials. Regulated for safety in food contact applications.
Supplement
None identified. Not typically used in dietary supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to diethyl phthalate is generally low risk, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of diethyl phthalate can pose moderate risks, particularly with high doses or prolonged exposure.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low to moderate risk, depending on concentration and duration of exposure.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with diethyl phthalate may cause irritation and discomfort, warranting caution.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher susceptibility to chemical exposure due to developing systems.
- pregnant — Increased sensitivity to chemical exposures during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults, but prolonged exposure should be minimized. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Pregnant individuals may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| infants_children | High | Infants and children are more vulnerable to chemical exposures due to their developing systems. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; caution is advised. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Diethyl phthalate is used in various products, with mixed safety assessments from regulatory bodies.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Rabbit - Dermal application | Not irritating | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Guinea Pig - Maximization test | No sensitization observed | EFSA Opinion (2018) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Diethyl phthalate is used in various products, with mixed safety assessments from regulatory bodies.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and household products.
- Safety assessments vary by jurisdiction.
- Potential concerns for sensitive populations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Diethyl Phthalate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Diethyl Phthalate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe in cosmetics but with restrictions.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Diethyl Phthalate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Low risk when used in food contact materials.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Diethyl phthalate is permitted in the US and Canada, but restricted in the EU and UK. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Limited use in cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentRESTRICTED
Limited use in cosmetics
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally safe in low concentrations, but check for skin reactions.
Potential risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Yes, it is permitted for use in food contact materials with safety assessments.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:10:28.365844Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.