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Beauty ingredient · Solvent

Diethyl phthalate (DEP)

CAS
84-66-2

A solvent and fixative used in fragrances; the FDA says it appears to be the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetics.

  • Phthalate
  • Expert review pending
Moderate concern Level 2 of 4 How concern levels work

Strong evidence of harm at high intake, emerging evidence of harm, or a common allergen or irritant. The concern level sets how many points diethyl phthalate (DEP) costs on a product’s receipt.

What the evidence says

  • Restricted useRegulatory

    Washington prohibits all ortho-phthalates in cosmetics from 2025; the FDA reports DEP is still used in fragrances. [1][2]

Evidence tiers say how sure the evidence is, separately from how much it matters. About evidence tiers.

Rules around the world

WhereStatusDetailsDateSource
Washington State (US) Banned Ortho-phthalates are not allowed in cosmetics from January 1, 2025. Jan 1, 2025 [1]

“Banned” means explicitly prohibited or withdrawn after review; “not permitted” means never authorized there. We use each regulator’s own words.

Names GoodSwap recognizes on labels (4)
  • dep
  • ethyl phthalate
  • diethyl phthalate
  • diethyl phthalate dep

Sources

  1. Revised Code of Washington, Chapter 70A.560 (Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act)

    Washington State Legislature · Law

    “(a) Ortho-phthalates; (b) Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; (c) Formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0) and chemicals determined by the department to release formaldehyde;”

    app.leg.wa.gov

  2. Phthalates in Cosmetics

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration · Regulator

    “DEP appears to be the only phthalate still commonly used in cosmetics.”

    fda.gov