Common Name(s): Butyl benzyl phthalate,butyl benzyl phthalate,prohibited phthalate,banned eu cosmetics endocrine disruptor

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Prohibited in eu cosmetics. this phthalate plasticiser must not be present in cosmetics in the eu or markets adopting eu cosmetics standards.

Why It's Used: Phthalate reproductive toxicity: competitive androgen receptor binding and disruption of fetal testosterone production — repr. 1b classification indicates sufficient evidence for reproductive harm at relevant exposure levels.

How It Works: Phthalate monoesters (from ester hydrolysis in skin) bind androgen receptor as partial agonists/antagonists disrupting sex hormone signalling during critical developmental windows. the metabolite concentration in human body burden correlates with reproductive effects in epidemiological studies.

Typically Found In: Do not formulate

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: Prohibited

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Non-phthalate replacements: acetyl tributyl citrate (atbc), dibutyl sebacate (dbs), triethyl citrate (tec) — all provide equivalent plasticiser performance without reproductive toxicity concerns.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Eu regulation 1223/2009 annex ii,butyl benzyl phthalate phthalate prohibition review