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CarCareTruth

Diethyl phthalate (DEP)

  • Esters
  • CAS 84-66-2
  • IUPAC: Diethyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) (CAS 84-66-2) appears in 2 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026).

NOT listed on California Prop 65 (CAS 84-66-2 is absent from the OEHHA list; the listed phthalates are DBP, DEHP, BBP, DINP, and DIDP). CA Priority Chemical and CA TAC. Used at trace concentrations as a fragrance fixative in consumer products. Health risk at typical use concentrations is considered low by regulatory agencies.

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a fragrance fixative widely used at trace concentrations in personal care and cleaning products. Unlike several other phthalates (DBP, DEHP, BBP, DINP, DIDP), DEP is NOT on the California Prop 65 list — CAS 84-66-2 does not appear in the OEHHA registry. It is classified as a CA Priority Chemical and CA Toxic Air Contaminant, and health risk at typical trace use concentrations is considered low by regulatory agencies.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Fragrance fixative; plasticizer in cosmetic and personal care formulations at trace concentrations

Common questions about Diethyl phthalate (DEP)

What is Diethyl phthalate (DEP) used for in car care?
Fragrance fixative; plasticizer in cosmetic and personal care formulations at trace concentrations
Is Diethyl phthalate (DEP) a VOC?
No. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Diethyl phthalate (DEP) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

2 products 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.