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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Butyl Benzyl Phthalate

  • Esters
  • CAS 85-68-7
  • IUPAC: 1-benzyl 3-butyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate

Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (CAS 85-68-7) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

H317 (skin sensitizer Cat 1) — the source of the skin sensitizer classification in the Dupli-Color DC-CC clear coat SDS. SVHC under REACH for reproductive toxicity (Reprotoxic Cat 2 under EU CLP). Not Prop 65–listed. Some jurisdictions (EU, several US states) restrict phthalates in consumer products; BBP is among the less restricted phthalates in the US market. OSHA PEL 5 mg/m³ as a nuisance dust; vapor pressure is very low at ambient temperature — inhalation exposure from liquid application is minimal.

Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) is a phthalate plasticizer used in PVC floor coverings, vinyl coatings, and some automotive lacquer clear coats to improve film flexibility and adhesion. In the Dupli-Color Scratch Fix All-in-1 clear coat, BBP appears at 4.9% and is the source of the H317 (skin sensitizer Cat 1) classification in the SDS. It is a EU SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) for reproductive toxicity under REACH. Unlike some other phthalates (DEHP, DBP), BBP is not currently banned in the US consumer market, but it is subject to regulatory scrutiny in the EU. Aquatically toxic at chronic exposure concentrations.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
2/5
Purpose: Phthalate plasticizer in PVC, vinyl coatings, and lacquer films; improves flexibility and adhesion of cured clear coat

Common questions about Butyl Benzyl Phthalate

What is Butyl Benzyl Phthalate used for in car care?
Phthalate plasticizer in PVC, vinyl coatings, and lacquer films; improves flexibility and adhesion of cured clear coat
Is Butyl Benzyl Phthalate a VOC?
No. Butyl Benzyl Phthalate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Butyl Benzyl Phthalate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Butyl Benzyl Phthalate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Butyl Benzyl Phthalate biodegradable?
Yes. Butyl Benzyl Phthalate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.