TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Please be aware that there are two kinds of Phthalates, bad Phthalates like DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate CAS # 84-74-2 and DEHP (Di [2-Ethyl Hexyl] Phthalate) CAS # 117-81-7.  These two Phthalates are classified as CMR’s (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxicants).  DBP was placed on the Calif. Prop 65 List as a developmental toxicant in 2005.  DEHP was placed on the Prop 65 List in 1988.  Both of these products were banned by the European Union for use in cosmetics and products put on the skin in 2004.

Neither DBP nor DEHP are, or ever have been, used in the fragrance industry as far as I know during my 35 years as a Perfumer.  Neither of these Phthalates has ever been used at Creative Fragrances LTD. during the 28 years of our existence.

There is another Phthalate, “Diethyl Phthalate CAS # 84-66-2”, which has been called the “good phthalate”.  This product, commonly referred to as DEP, is used extensively in the fragrance industry as a fragrance solvent, blender, surfactant and as a fixative to help make fragrances last longer.  DEP is also used as the denaturant in SDA Alcohol 39 C endorsed by the US Government.

DEP has been extensively tested and has been found to be “not harmful”, “not a CMR”, “not a skin sensitizer”, “not a skin irritant” and “not harmful to the environment”.  A report was published by the European Union’s SCCNFP scientific committee on June 4, 2002 concerning the safety of DEP.  Their conclusion was that DEP showed “low levels of toxicity” and it was their opinion that the “safety profile of DEP supports its use in cosmetic products”.  They also stated “the SCCNFP does not recommend any specific warnings or restrictions for DEP under the current conditions of use”.  This assessment by the SCCNFP was re-asserted on Dec. 9, 2003.  There are also no restrictions or warnings concerning the use of DEP by the FDA, IFRA (International Fragrance Association), RIFM (Research Institute of Fragrance Materials) or the US EPA.

There is no scientific evidence that Diethyl Phthalate is harmful to anybody or anything.  In fact, the safety profile for DEP based on “Human Health Criteria” shows DEP to be safer for use on humans than any natural Essential Oil (based on carcinogenicity, reproductive developmental toxicity, acute mammalian toxicity, mutagenicity and skin sensitization / irritation).

The environmental fate and toxicity of DEP based on “persistence in the environment“, “bioaccumulation in the food chain” and “aquatic toxicity” is less than that for Peppermint Oil or Orange Oil.  Based on my experience as a Perfumer and as the Co-Chairman for the Fragrance Industry on the CleanGredients DfE (EPA) Fragrance Task Force, DEP is one of the most tested and safest fragrance ingredients in existence.

In 2003 the UN’s “World Health Organization” published their Chemical Assessment Document for Diethyl Phthalate.  They found no negative health or environmental effects from Diethyl Phthalate.  DEP is not banned or restricted by any agency, governmental or not, anywhere in the world.

Therefore, classifying Diethyl Phthalate as bad or unsafe or environmentally irresponsible is just wrong.  There is no scientific evidence to support that conclusion that I am aware of.  DEP is being maligned because it belongs to a class of chemicals called “Phthalates”, not because it is deemed to be dangerous or harmful.