Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
- Esters
- CAS 84-66-2
- IUPAC: Diethyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) (CAS 84-66-2) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is listed on California's Proposition 65.
Listed on California Prop 65 for cancer and reproductive harm. 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, but Prop 65 listing requires disclosure.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a fragrance fixative widely used at trace concentrations in personal care and cleaning products. Listed on California Prop 65 for cancer and reproductive harm and classified as a CA Priority Chemical and CA Toxic Air Contaminant. Products containing DEP as a fragrance component will carry a Prop 65 disclosure.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- no
- Prop 65 listed
- yes
- 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
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?
- Yes. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) appears on California's Proposition 65 list.
1 product contain this
303 Products 303 Leather 3-in-1 Complete CareProp 65leather-care
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.