Is Benzyl butyl phthalate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Benzyl butyl phthalate is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (phthalates).
INCI name Butyl Benzyl Phthalate. CAS 85-68-7.
Other names: BBP
Is Benzyl butyl phthalate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | nail polish, perfume, hairspray, lotion |
| CAS number | 85-68-7 |
What is Benzyl butyl phthalate?
Benzyl butyl phthalate is a phthalate plasticizer historically used in fragrances, nail polish and hair products.
Why is Benzyl butyl phthalate used in personal-care products?
Phthalates make plastics flexible, help fragrance last longer and reduce nail-polish chipping.
Is Benzyl butyl phthalate dangerous? Documented risks
Benzyl butyl phthalate is a reproductive and developmental toxicant and endocrine disruptor. The EU bans CMR phthalates in cosmetics; the US has no federal cosmetic ban.
Products that may contain Benzyl butyl phthalate
- nail polish
- perfume
- hairspray
- lotion
How to avoid Benzyl butyl phthalate: safer alternatives
Choose phthalate-free and 'fragrance-free' products. BannedPantry flags phthalates and undisclosed 'fragrance' on the label.
Frequently asked questions about Benzyl butyl phthalate
Is Benzyl butyl phthalate banned in the EU?
Benzyl butyl phthalate is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Benzyl butyl phthalate in US cosmetics?
Yes — Benzyl butyl phthalate can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Benzyl butyl phthalate?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Benzyl butyl phthalate automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Benzyl butyl phthalate?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Benzyl butyl phthalate.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Benzyl butyl phthalate or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related phthalates
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU endocrine disruptor list I — EU ED Lists
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.