Dibutyl Phthalate — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: DIBUTYL PHTHALATE
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 84-74-2
- Category
- plasticizer
- Risk Level
- high
- Common Allergen
- No
- EU Status
- Restricted
- Found In
- nail polish
Is Dibutyl Phthalate safe in cosmetics?
Dibutyl Phthalate is rated high risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. This ingredient is restricted under EU cosmetic regulations. Commonly found in nail polish.
What is Dibutyl Phthalate?
Plasticizer. Endocrine disruptor. Banned in EU cosmetics. Part of the 'toxic trio'.
Allergy & Safety Information
Dibutyl Phthalate is classified as a high-risk ingredient. It is a known cause of allergic contact dermatitis. It is restricted or regulated in the EU. Individuals with sensitive skin or a history of contact allergies should avoid products containing this ingredient. A patch test is recommended before first use of any product containing Dibutyl Phthalate.
This ingredient is classified as high risk from an allergenicity perspective. It is a recognised cause of allergic contact dermatitis with a relatively high sensitisation rate in patch-tested populations. People with a history of skin reactions to cosmetics, or with conditions such as eczema or sensitive skin, should exercise particular caution.
How to Identify Dibutyl Phthalate in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Dibutyl Phthalate, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Nail polish. These product categories are the most common sources of Dibutyl Phthalate exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Dibutyl Phthalate? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Dibutyl Phthalate and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dibutyl Phthalate safe for sensitive skin?
Dibutyl Phthalate is a known allergen and is generally not recommended for sensitive skin. Consider patch testing before use.
What products contain Dibutyl Phthalate?
Dibutyl Phthalate is commonly found in nail polish.
What does Dibutyl Phthalate do in cosmetics?
Dibutyl Phthalate functions as a plasticizer in formulations.
Related Guides
Is Dibutyl Phthalate causing YOUR skin reactions?
SkinDetekt tracks your products and reactions to find your personal triggers. Download the app to find out.
Download on App Store