Is Butylated triphenyl phosphate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Butylated triphenyl phosphate is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
INCI name BTPP. CAS 56803-37-3.
Is Butylated triphenyl phosphate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | nail polish |
| CAS number | 56803-37-3 |
What is Butylated triphenyl phosphate?
Butylated triphenyl phosphate (BTPP) is a plasticizer.
Why is Butylated triphenyl phosphate used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Butylated triphenyl phosphate dangerous? Documented risks
An endocrine disruptor restricted in the EU.
Products that may contain Butylated triphenyl phosphate
- nail polish
How to avoid Butylated triphenyl phosphate: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Butylated triphenyl phosphate
Is Butylated triphenyl phosphate banned in the EU?
Butylated triphenyl phosphate is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Butylated triphenyl phosphate in US cosmetics?
Yes โ Butylated triphenyl phosphate 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 Butylated triphenyl phosphate?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Butylated triphenyl phosphate automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Butylated triphenyl phosphate?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Butylated triphenyl phosphate.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Butylated triphenyl phosphate or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free โRelated endocrine disruptors
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU endocrine disruptor list I โ EU ED Lists
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) โ EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact โ RegASK
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.