murphyDiethyl Phthalate
AKA: 84-66-2, Phthalic acid diethyl ester, Anozol, Neantine, Phthalol, Solvanol, Diethyl benzene-1, 2-dicarboxylate, Palatinol A
Synthetic
Occlusive
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
OriginDerived from phthalic anhydride and ethanol, both petroleum-based chemical compounds. Synthesized through esterification reaction between phthalic anhydride and ethanol under catalytic conditions.
Diethyl phthalate is a phthalate ester. This synthetic substance is commonly used to make plastics more flexible. Products in which it is found include toothbrushes, automobile parts, tools, toys, and food packaging. Diethyl phthalate can be released fairly easily from these products, as it is not part of the chain of chemicals (polymers) that makes up the plastic. Diethyl phthalate is also used in cosmetics, insecticides, and aspirin. Phthalate esters can cause reproductive and developmental toxicity. (L1900, A2883)
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C12H14O4
Mol. Weight
222.24
CAS #
84-66-2
Form
Powder
State
Diethyl phthalate appears as a clear, colorless liquid without significant odor. More dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence sinks in water. Primary hazard is to the environment. Spread to the
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
No
Functions
Denaturant
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Plasticiser
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Antioxidant
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used · CIR insufficient data requested (2026)
Pregnancy
No
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 200)
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 200)
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 475)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR