Diethyl Phthalate
A denaturant used at low levels. It makes alcohol undrinkable and does not affect skin in the finished product.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Diethyl phthalate (INCI: Diethyl Phthalate) is used in cosmetics at minimal doses as an alcohol denaturant: it makes alcohol bitter and unfit to drink. It also appears as a fragrance fixative. In the finished product at those concentrations it has no action on the skin. This is a functional component, not a skincare active. It does not hydrate, soothe, or improve the barrier. Its job is technical and sits outside the cosmetic performance measured in a product's actives. A note is worth adding: phthalates draw safety debate, but diethyl phthalate is not among those restricted by the EU cosmetic regulation, and its use is permitted. Even so, some prefer to avoid it out of personal caution. For topical use the systemic contribution is negligible, and it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Skin tolerance is good, with low irritation and allergy potential. It is not noted as comedogenic or drying.
Frequently asked questions
Is Diethyl Phthalate safe during pregnancy?
Diethyl Phthalate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Diethyl Phthalate for?
Diethyl Phthalate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Diethyl Phthalate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A denaturant used at low levels.
What's the INCI name for Diethyl Phthalate?
The INCI name is Diethyl Phthalate. It may also appear as: DEP.
See Diethyl Phthalate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Diethyl Succinate, Diheptyl Succinate, Dihydroxyacetone, Diisopropyl Adipate, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Benzaldehyde
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