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Annex II Entry 677 CMR18/02/2011

bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate)

bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate) is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.

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Prohibited substance— Annex II, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 677
CMR

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 117-81-7
CAS 117-81-7PubChem CID 8343

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is a phthalate ester that is the bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester of benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid. It has a role as an apoptosis inhibitor, an androstane receptor agonist and a plasticiser. It is a phthalate ester and a diester. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
bis(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate
Molecular formula
C24H38O4
Molecular weight
390.6 g/mol
Exact mass
390.27700969 Da
XLogP3
7.4
Topological polar surface area
52.6 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
4
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalateDi(2-ethylhexyl)phthalateEtalonEthylhexyl phthalateVinicizer 80DioctylphthalateHercoflex 260Nuoplaz dop
16 more reported names
RC plasticizer DOPHatcol dopReomol dopSansocizer DOPErgoplast FDOMonocizer DOPPlasthall DOPMollan OPittsburgh PX-138Ergoplast FDO-SGood-rite gp 264Sconamoll DOPDiacizer DOPDi(2-ethylhexyl)orthophthalateEtalon (plasticizer)Behp
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8343

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknow Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H360FD: May damage fertility; May damage the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 1071) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H360 (94.5%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 1071 reports by companies from 27 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 1071 reports by companies.; There are 26 notifications provided by 1070 of 1071 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P261, P264+P265, P271, P273, P280, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P337+P317, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: Not Classified Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: Chronic and/or high levels of DEHP exposure may cause reproductive and developmental damage. This includes damaged sperm, delayed sexual maturity, and deficiencies in the development of male babies. DEHP may also cause liver and kidney damage, and is potentially carcinogenic. (L181, L182) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a colorless, oily liquid. Plastics may contain from 1 to 40% DEHP by weight and are used in consumer products such as imitation leather, rainwear, footwear, upholstery, flooring, wire and cable, tablecloths, shower curtains, food packaging materials and children's toys. DEHP is also used as a hydraulic fluid and as a dielectric fluid (a non-conductor of electric current) in electrical capacitors, a detector for leaks in respirators. DEHP is not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: DEHP has been found in various types of food, such as fish, shellfish, eggs and cheese. Blood transfusions and other medical treatment using plastic devices may lead to involuntary human exposure to DEHP. Available data on oral administration indicate that DEHP is hydrolyzed in the gut by pancreatic lipase. The metabolites formed, i.e., mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and 2-ethyl hexanol, are rapidly absorbed. Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate was detected in human teeth. When adminis Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Monoethylhexylphthalate (MEHP), one of the major metabolites of DEHP, induces peroxisome proliferation by activating peroxisome proliferator activated receptors. This is believed to increase production of hydrogen peroxide by peroxisomes and enhance cell proliferation, leading to hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects. MEHP is also believed to exhibit testicular toxicity by targeting and damaging the Sertoli cells. DEHP may act as an antiandrogen during a critical stage of reproductive tract differentiation by reducing testosterone in fetal males, hindering development. (L181, A106) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: Experimental BCF values range from a log 2 to 4 in fish and invertebrates(1-7). Log BCFs of 2.93 and 2.06 were measured in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)(2) and bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus), respectively(3). BCF values of <0.7-29.7 and 1-3.4 were reported using carp (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed over an 8-week period to bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 ppm, respectively(8). According to a classification scheme(9), these BCFs suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to very high(SRC). Experiments with rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) showed that the majority of (14)C-bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate did not reach the systemic circulation of the fish, but was present in the exposure water as metabolites as a result of pre-systemic branchial metabolism of this compound during uptake from the water to the blood(10). Biota-sediment accumulation factors were 1.0, 0.5 and 1.3 in roach (Rutilus rutilus), chub (Leuciscus cephalus) and perch (Perca fluviatilis), respectively; fish were collected from the Orge River, France from Jul 2009 to Apr 2010(11). BCFs of 0.02-0.11 were reported for bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in water spinach Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate bioconcentration factor for rainbow trout: 42-113; duration, 36 days, whole body. Bioconcentration factor for fathead minnow 155-886; duration, 56 days, whole body. Bioconcentration factor for Gammarus pseudolimnaeus (scud): 54-2,680 (from dry to wet weight); duration, 14-21 days, whole body. Bioconcentration factor for Aselius brevicaudus (sowbug): 14-50 (from dry to wet weight); duration, 21 days, whole body. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values ranging from 87,420(2) to 510,000(3), indicate that bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.7X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 1.42X10-7 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 0.27 mg/L(5). Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). Mineralization rates of 15 to 50% remaining after 80 days(6) and 22 to 32% (14)CO2 in three soils after 60 days incubation(7) suggest that biodegradation proceeds slowly in soil environments(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values ranging from 87,420(2) to 510,000(3), indicate that bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(4) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.7X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.42X10-7 mm Hg(5), and water solubility, 0.27 mg/L(6). Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment based on an aqueous hydrolysis half-life of 2000 years that was determined at pH 7(3). According to a classification scheme(7), BCF values of <0.1(8) to 850(9) in carp, bluegill and fathead minnows, suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to very high; this range may indicate the ability of aquatic organisms to readily metabolize this class of compounds(3). In unacclimated aquatic systems no biodegradation was observed(10), but a biodegradation half-life of 60 to 70 hours in groundwater impacted by bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was reported(11), suggesting that biodegradation is dependent to a large extent on acclimation of aquatic environments(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, which has a vapor pressure of 1.42X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 16 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.2X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Gas-phase hydroxyl radicals reacted with bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate adsorbed onto silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, iron(III) oxide and coal fly ash(5), exhibiting half-lives of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 2.0 days, respectively(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Congress has permanently banned three types of phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP) in any amount greater than 0.1 percent (computed for each phthalate, individually) in (1) children's toys and (2) certain child care articles. di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), or benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For bis(2-ethylhexylphthalate) (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 295200) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled." Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Plastics may contain from 1 to 40% di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate by weight and are used in consumer products such as imitation leather, rainwear, footwear, upholstery, flooring, wire and cable, tablecloths, shower curtains, food packaging materials and children's toys. ... Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is also used as a hydraulic fluid and as a dielectric fluid (a non-conductor of electric current) in electrical capacitors. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL) PHTHALATE (19 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Plastics -> Typical concentration range in plastic materials -> 2.0 - 35.0% Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
  • Uses: DEHP is present in plastic products such as wall coverings, tablecloths, floor tiles, furniture upholstery, shower curtains, garden hoses, swimming pool liners, rainwear, baby pants, dolls, some toys, shoes, automobile upholstery and tops, packaging film and sheets, sheathing for wire and cable, medical tubing, and blood storage bags. (L181) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Chemical name

bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate)

Chemical / IUPAC name

Diethylhexyl phthalate; DEHP

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2009/1223

See every entry this act set

SCCS opinions

Identified ingredients

CMR

CategoryCarcinogenicMutagenicReprotoxic
Cat. 1B——✓

Key data

CAS
117-81-7
EC
204-211-0
Annex
II
Entry number
677

Inventory links for bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate)

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.

Annex II 682
Nearby record in the same annex

Acrylonitrile

CAS: 107-13-1
EC: 203-466-5
Annex II 683
Nearby record in the same annex

2-Nitropropane

CAS: 79-46-9
EC: 201-209-1

What Annex II means for bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate)

bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate) is listed as a prohibited substance under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and must not be intentionally added. Article 17 separately addresses unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice and compatible with the Article 3 safety requirement.

Formulators must screen their ingredients and raw materials to ensure none contain this substance. Suppliers should provide documentation confirming absence when requested.

This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Verify this substance is absent from all raw materials and finished formulations.
  • Request absence confirmation or CoA from raw material suppliers.
  • Document the screening result in the Product Information File (PIF).
  • This substance has CMR classification. Review the CMR table above and verify current Annex II/III status before use.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate) is listed in Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and is prohibited as an intentionally added cosmetic ingredient. Article 17 provides a narrow exception for unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice, provided the product remains safe under Article 3.

CAS 117-81-7 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate) by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate) has a CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) classification under EU CLP Regulation. Under Article 15 of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, CMR substances of category 1A or 1B are prohibited in cosmetics unless specifically permitted. Category 2 CMR substances may be used only if assessed safe by the SCCS. Always verify current annex status and any applicable derogations before use.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex II record bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate)

This page summarizes one Annex II record for bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate) from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex II conditions for bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate; (Diethylhexyl phthalate), but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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