Beauty ingredient · Solvent

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)

CAS
131-11-3

A phthalate once used in hair sprays.

  • Phthalate
  • Expert review pending

Concern level

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 dimethyl phthalate (DMP) 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

How regulators treat Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
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“Banned” means explicitly prohibited or withdrawn after review; “not permitted” means never authorized there.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 (3)
  • dmp
  • dimethyl phthalate
  • dimethyl phthalate dmp

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