VeriMomShould I Avoid diethylhexyl phthalate During Pregnancy? | VeriMom
DEHP (CAS 117-81-7) has a harmonised CLP classification H360FD (may damage fertility; may damage the unborn child) under ECHA/Annex VI, which by calibration mandates h=3. Mechanistically, DEHP and its primary metabolite MEHP cause well-characterised anti-androgenic and developmental effects in multiple animal studies and alter placental development, supporting m=3. Because DEHP is prohibited from use in cosmetic products under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Annex II), topical cosmetic exposure during pregnancy should be negligible (e=0) for cosmetic-grade use; however systemic exposures from other sources (medical devices, contaminated food, dust) remain relevant but are outside 'cosmetic use' exposure scoring.
ECHA regulatory hazard statements
- •H360FD
What to use instead
Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:
FAQ
- Is diethylhexyl phthalate safe during pregnancy?
- DEHP (CAS 117-81-7) has a harmonised CLP classification H360FD (may damage fertility; may damage the unborn child) under ECHA/Annex VI, which by calibration mandates h=3. Mechanistically, DEHP and its primary metabolite MEHP cause well-characterised anti-androgenic and developmental effects in multiple animal studies and alter placental development, supporting m=3. Because DEHP is prohibited from use in cosmetic products under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Annex II), topical cosmetic exposure during pregnancy should be negligible (e=0) for cosmetic-grade use; however systemic exposures from other sources (medical devices, contaminated food, dust) remain relevant but are outside 'cosmetic use' exposure scoring.
- Is diethylhexyl phthalate safe while breastfeeding?
- Harmonised H360FD classification and abundant animal data showing reproductive/developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption justify h=3 and m=3 for breastfeeding context. DEHP has been shown to transfer and produce metabolites that are biologically active; although breastmilk transfer and infant internal dose are described in the literature for environmental exposures, cosmetic topical use in the EU is banned so cosmetic-source exposure is expected to be negligible (e=0).
- Is diethylhexyl phthalate safe for baby skin?
- Because DEHP is harmonised as H360FD (CMR Category 1B) the hazard to infants is scored h=3 by calibration. Mechanistic data (anti-androgenic effects, endocrine disruption, developmental effects in rodents) support m=3. For cosmetic topical use, DEHP is listed in EU Annex II (prohibited), so exposure from cosmetics is expected to be negligible (e=0). If DEHP were present in a formulation (e.g., contamination or in non‑EU markets), infant skin has higher absorption potential and the exposure score would be higher — but that scenario is outside compliant cosmetic use.
- How does VeriMom score diethylhexyl phthalate?
- VeriMom scores diethylhexyl phthalate at 20/100 (high risk) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.
- What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to diethylhexyl phthalate?
- See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to diethylhexyl phthalate based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
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Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.