Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a widely used solvent for dissolving resinous fragrances.

We sell this product by weight, but you may receive (in 2022) bottles labeled in ml. In those cases you received about 15% more than ordered.

Use

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is virtually odorless and is used for dissolving fragrance materials that do not or do not dissolve easily in alcohol. This problem can often be solved by first dissolving the substance in DEP: the solution often mixes with alcohol. Fragrances in which DEP can be used are resins, such as opoponax and musks, such as Tonalid. If the dissolving is still not easy, it can be heated in a bain-marie.

Its use in cosmetics is not limited: it can be applied in any concentration. A practical point to keep in mind is that DEP is a strong, odourless fixative in perfumes. If fixation is not desired, it is better to use a different solvent.

But ...

Not unimportant: although it is a safe substance based on current knowledge, it can be a difficult substance from a commercial point of view. It is a phthalate and many phthalates are 'endocrine disruptors', ie substances that can potentially disrupt the endocrine system of humans or other organisms. Despite the fact that DEP has been used for a long time, is widely used and well researched, DEP does not appear to be endocrine disrupting. However, in the press all phthalates are often lumped together and many people avoid all phthalates for that reason.

For this reason, DEP is not assumed without issues in the industry. Perhaps it is good to investigate further and better whether the substance is really completely harmless. On the other hand, in cosmetics we use thousands of substances that are less researched in this regard. All in all, it remains a difficult point.

Possible substitutes are isopropyl myristate (IPM) and triethyl citrate (TEC). Note that they can rarely be replaced 1:1, often a lower concentration is possible. Our advice is to always consider these solvents and only use DEP if these substances are not a good alternative.

Properties

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a clear, colourless, odourless liquid. This long-lasting substance does not occur in nature, and is made synthetically from mainly fossil materials. The substance is readily and completely biodegradable in the environment and not harmful to fish, algae and other aquatic organisms.

The aforementioned alternatives are more renewable and do not score worse in terms of the environment.

Packaging

This substance is packaged in aluminum bottles with a plastic (PE) stopper and white plastic (PP) cap.

Dangers

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is not a hazardous substance in the sense of the law (REACH/CLP). We still recommend that you handle all fabrics with care and keep them out of the reach of children.

Codes

Item number: 29570
Dutch name: Di-ethylftalaat
EC number: 201-550-6
CAS Number EU: 84-66-2
CAS Number TSCA: 84-66-2
INCI: DIETHYL PHTHALATE