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DEP (Diethyl Phthalate): Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernPlasticiser / chemical of concern

The phthalate most likely to be hiding in a cosmetic today, because it is used as a fragrance fixative and can be declared simply as "fragrance" or "parfum" rather than by name.

Where it appears

  • Fragrance fixative
  • Perfume and body spray
  • Scented lotions
  • Hair products

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted in cosmetics but must be declared if present above threshold; fragrance components can be grouped as parfum.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Fragrance-free products
  • Brands that publish full fragrance disclosure
  • Essential-oil scented products

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DEP (Diethyl Phthalate), common questions

Is DEP (Diethyl Phthalate) a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. The phthalate most likely to be hiding in a cosmetic today, because it is used as a fragrance fixative and can be declared simply as "fragrance" or "parfum" rather than by name.

Is DEP (Diethyl Phthalate) banned?

EU: Permitted in cosmetics but must be declared if present above threshold; fragrance components can be grouped as parfum. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of DEP (Diethyl Phthalate)?

Cleaner alternatives include: Fragrance-free products; Brands that publish full fragrance disclosure; Essential-oil scented products.

What products contain DEP (Diethyl Phthalate)?

Commonly found in: Fragrance fixative; Perfume and body spray; Scented lotions; Hair products.

Related ingredients

Parabens

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · Medium concern

Preservatives flagged for endocrine activity; commonly co-occur with plastic polymers in synthetic formulas.

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Phthalates

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · High concern

Plasticisers used to soften plastic, banned from many products. Strong endocrine disruptors.

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BHT / BHA

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · Low concern

Synthetic antioxidants, co-occurrence flag in plastic-heavy formulas.

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DEHP (Diethylhexyl Phthalate)

Plasticiser / chemical of concern · High concern

The most studied plasticiser and a recognised endocrine disruptor. Banned in EU cosmetics. It reaches food and bodies mainly through plastic packaging and processing equipment rather than through cosmetic formulas.

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