Medium concernPlasticizer
Diethyl phthalate
PhthalateEndocrine disruptor
What it is
A short-chain phthalate, colorless oily liquid, still one of the most commonly used phthalates in personal care.
What it does
Solvent and fixative for fragrance compounds, denaturant for ethanol, and carrier in hairsprays and perfumes. Often the phthalate hiding behind “parfum” or “fragrance” on labels.
Why it’s a concern
Some fragranced personal-care products use DEP as a solvent or fixative. Perfume, cologne, and deodorant use have been associated with higher urinary MEP, the main DEP marker. DEP should not be assigned the same antiandrogenic evidence as DEHP or DBP. A three-day product intervention lowered MEP by about 27% but measured no health benefit.
Also known as
DEP
CAS numbers
84-66-2
Commonly found in
perfumehairspraylotiondeodorant
Safer alternatives
- fragrance-free products
- essential oils disclosed by botanical name
Related chemical families
Sources
- Swan et al. 2014, Human Reproduction
- US CDC NHANES